Newly elected Sinn Fein candidate for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency, Cathy Bennett has told Northern Sound that she's "in it to win it." The current Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council received unanimous votes last night to go forward as Sinn Fein's third candidate in the upcoming General Election. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Bennett said that she is "delighted" to be selected as a candidate in the General Election, highlighting the she is now the "only woman" who will appear on the ballot paper for Co Monaghan. Cllr Bennett believes she is part of "history in the making" and has called on local constituents to show their support if they want "real change." Cllr Bennett explained; "I'm feeling really confident that I can go out and run a really strong campaign. I'm asking people for their support so that Sinn Féin can change the government of the last 100 years. There is only going to be one woman on the ballot paper in the Monaghan constituency, I'm up for the game and I really hope that the women of Co Monaghan come out and vote for me."
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald was also in attendance at last night's convention which was held in the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan Town. Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy McDonald said selecting Cathy Bennett as part of Sinn Fein's three-candidate strategy for Cavan-Monaghan was an "obvious choice." Having topped the poll for her party at the last two local elections, Mary-Lou McDonald believes that Monaghan's Cathy Bennett has a proven track record in "getting things done." The Sinn Fein leader explained; "Everybody is 100% behind her and that's because she is an outstanding person and an outstanding activist. She has a proven track record, Cathy gets things done and I think that she now fills the role of that formidable, feisty, strong, no-nonsense Monaghan woman who will represent the bread and butter realities of life out on the ground. I'm really excited that she's on the ticket and would be so proud to have her walk through the gates of the Dáil."
