Donegal county councillor Marie Therese Gallagher has announced she will not seek re-election in the upcoming local elections.
She is the second sitting Sinn Féin county councillor to announce they will not stand after Convoy councillor Liam Doherty said he will not be seeking the public’s votes last week.
She has sat on Donegal County Council since being elected in 2007.
Councillor Gallagher made her announcement a short time ago.
She said “Today I am announcing that I will not be contesting the upcoming local election in Donegal.
“It has been an honour to serve the people of Glenties and Donegal since 2007, and I look forward to continuing that work in the remaining months.
“When I entered politics and took my place on Donegal County Council, I was determined to represent the people of Donegal and work for our community to the highest standard.
“Every time I was elected by the people as their representative was a source of great pride, which I will always cherish.
“Working for them was a privilege and I want to thank them for giving me that opportunity.
“Since I took my seat on Donegal County Council, Sinn Féin has grown in strength and representation.
“I have always endeavoured to be a strong Republican voice for the people of Donegal, putting our community first and working hard on their behalf.
“Now is the right time for someone else to come forward and represent the interests of workers and families in Donegal.
“I will remain a committed Sinn Féin activist, and I want to thank the party for their support and hard work over the years.”
Deputy Pearse Doherty paid tribute to colleague and friend after she made her announcement.
He said “I want to sincerely thank Marie Therese for the massive contribution she has made as a councillor over the past 16 years.
“Marie Therese has served the community and people of Donegal with compassion and dedication over many years.
“When Marie Therese succeeded me on Donegal County Council, she was its youngest member.
“At that time, Sinn Féin had four seats on Donegal County Council and no TDs.
“Today, our party has ten seats on the council and two TDs in Dáil Éireann.
“Marie Therese has been a driving force behind our party’s growth in the county as a result of her commitment to the community and people of Donegal.
“During her time as councillor, Marie Therese served with distinction as Deputy Mayor for the county and as Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District.
“Marie Therese is highly respected not only in our party, but in Donegal and Glenties.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with her over so many years.
“There is no doubt that a person of her talent and character will be greatly missed.
“We were so lucky to have her.
“I have no doubt that Marie Therese will remain a committed and invaluable member of our party.
“As Marie Therese moves forward in this new chapter, I wish her and her family the very best for the future.”