Ireland’s Youngest Councillor
November 30th, 2007Now I feel old.
Charlene to become youngest councillor
Sinn Féin may soon have the youngest councillor in Ireland – if, as expected, the parties at Lisburn City Council agree to co-opt her into the chamber.
Charlene O’Hara has been nominated by the party to take up the Dunmurry Cross seat vacated by MLA Jennifer McCann.
A student teacher at St Mary’s University College, Charlene has been a member of Sinn Féin for just over a year and was active in Jennifer McCann’s successful election campaign.
That’s from a few weeks ago in Belfast’s Andersonstown News, and on Tuesday of this week Charlene O’Hara was officially co-opted onto Lisburn City Council, becoming the youngest councillor in Ireland at the age of 19. Charlene was one of the participants in the Boston College political programme in Boston and Washington that I was a part of last month.
I’m delighted for Charlene. She’s a very able young woman and will be a great addition to the Council in Lisburn. Indeed, I fully expect to see Charlene involved in politics at a variety of levels for many years to come. There’s a lot that Charlene and I don’t agree on when it comes to politics, but it’s great to see young people getting involved within their communities and being recognised by political parties like this.
Congratulations and best wishes Charlene; you’ve got a busy time ahead of you!
The Boston College programme was a fantastic experience, and I really enjoyed getting to know all the participants. Below is the group after meeting Congressman Richie Neal.
Participants in the 2007 Boston College Young Political Leaders programme, with Congressman Richie Neal
Standing, l-r : John Robinson, Malcolm Byrne, Damien Blake, Paul Gallagher, Rep. Richie Neal, Paul McAuliffe, Thomas O’Hanlon, David Garrahy, Debbie Francie
Sitting, l-r: (Councillor!) Charlene O’Hara, Tara Somers, Alan Farrell
Update: The Ulster Star has a report on Charlene’s Co-option: Lisburn Councillor Youngest in Ireland
Update: 4/12/2007 The Ogra Shinn Fein blog now has an announcement and an interview with Charlene: Charlene O’Hara takes ‘Youngest Councillor’ title