'Incredible' election result for Sinn Féin in Offaly declares new councillor

Speaking as she takes up her new role, Cllr Masterson said the party's performance in the local elections was “the result of consistent engagement and hard work. We may not have had representative on Offaly County Council, but we have had strong activists on the ground who, with the help of Deputy Brian Stanley, have continued to work and deliver for our communities.”

As well as Cllr Masterson, Cllr Sean Maher was elected in the Birr area and Cllr Claire Murray in the Edenderry area meaning the party recovered the three seats they lost in the 2019 local elections when the Sinn Féin vote collapsed.

Cllr Masterson said personally she was “overjoyed and immensely humbled” to have been elected.

“To have so many people trust you to serve them and represent their interest is an incredible honour and a responsibility I will always appreciate and respect,” she commented.

Cllr Masterson added that she enjoyed every minute of the campaign. “Canvassing, meeting people, and talking through their concerns and issues has been a genuine privilege and joy,” she outlined stressing “it is the sole reason I am in politics.” 

“As a Sinn Féin councillor and activist, my priority will always be engaging with people on the ground. For me, getting out on the doors and listening to our community isn’t just an election time activity; it’s something I will continue to do as a councillor.”

She said that chatting to people on the doors during the campaign, “it’s clear that far too many people feel disconnected from their elected representatives and Offaly County Council.”

“A lot of decisions are made in council meetings that affect people’s lives and the areas they live in. However, it is often hard to find out exactly what is being said and how representatives are voting. I want a council that is as open and transparent as possible.

“I want to ensure council meetings are as widely accessible to as many people as possible through online streaming and playback. I have called on all my fellow councillors to support me in this.”

Cllr Masterson said during her five year term she is committed to “delivering on the things that matter to our community such the lack of access to healthcare and other services, the lack of support for our rural communities and the difficulties so many people are facing in just making ends meet.”

She stressed that as a Sinn Féin councillor, addressing the housing crisis in Offaly will be her number one priority. 

“I will work tirelessly to ensure Offaly County Council invests in robust and ambitious policies to shield people from homelessness, address the housing crisis in our towns, and support the development of our rural communities. 

“This begins with undertaking an audit of all council lands with a view to building much needed social housing on them.”

Cllr Masterson said she will also call for Offaly County Council to draw down on Government funding to develop an Affordable Homes Scheme for working people who are struggling to get a mortgage off big banks.

“I also am committed to ensuring the removal of unnecessary red tape and the development of serviced sites to support self builds,” she outlined.

The new councillor said she owed a deep debt of gratitude “to not only my team, but the people of Tullamore, Clara, and beyond.”

“ From those who welcomed me on the doors, to those who trod the highways and byways with me, and everyone who so kindly voted for me. They have placed their trust in me to deliver on the things that matter to them and our community and I will work morning, noon, and night to repay this and deliver for them.”