Niamh McCooey was co-opted onto Monaghan County Council for Sinn Fein today. Cllr McCooey who ran in the last local elections took the seat that Cathy Bennett held before she was elected to the 34th Dáil. Originally from Middletown, a passion for politics runs strong in the genetics of Cllr McCooey as her late mother Pat O’Rawe was a prominent political figure having worked as both a councillor and MLA for Sinn Fein in the North. Cllr McCooey has lived in Tyholland for the last 15 years alongside her husband and two daughters and works as an accounts manger for three IT companies.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr McCooey said it was an "honour" to have been chosen to replace Deputy Cathy Bennett. Going forward, Cllr McCooey said that it's important for her to build a better future not only for her own two daughters but for generations to come. Cllr McCooey told Northern Sound; "I want to work hard to ensure that all communities across Co Monaghan receive projects which they are entitled to. I'm committed to standing with the communities affected by the North-South Interconnector as it impacts residents in Annayalla which will be one of my priority areas. It's an honour to have been chosen to replace Deputy Cathy Bennett."
Following her campaign in the local elections, Niamh McCooey also took on the role of Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Sinn Féin. When asked why she wanted to continue to play a prominent role within her party despite the outcome of the local election, Cllr McCooey said; "Over the last 12 months I've learned a lot about myself and politics. I believe that everyone has a part to play no matter how big or small it is and I'm delighted to play my part. My choice to stay on the scene with Sinn Fein was because I wanted to work hard for communities and our country. On a personal level - I want my two young daughters grow up in a country where they have the option stay, go to college and build a home here. It's about building a better future for not only for my own family but for the generations to come."
