Ronan Moore re-elected as Cathaoirleach of all-male Trim Council as gender diversity highlighted
Ronan Moore has been re-elected for another term as Cathaoirleach of the Trim Municipal District Council following its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Social Democrats councillor, first elected to Meath County Council in 2019, will now serve a second consecutive year as chairperson, having initially taken up the role in 2024.
Cllr Moore was nominated by Cllr Noel French and seconded by Cllr Paul O’Rourke. He received the unanimous support of his fellow councillors during the meeting.
Addressing his colleagues after the vote, Cllr Moore said: “Trim Municipal District is very fortunate, one thing I feel has been constantly shown in this chambers and outside of it is respect and as Cathaoirleach I look forward to continuing giving everyone the same level of respect.”
The AGM also highlighted the lack of gender diversity within the council. The Trim Municipal District is now composed entirely of six male councillors: Independent Noel French, Fine Gael’s Joe Fox, Fianna Fáil’s Paul O’Rourke and Padraig Coffey, Aontú’s Dave Boyne, and Social Democrats’ Ronan Moore.
Cllr Moore acknowledged this in his remarks, noting that while he was honoured to serve again, the absence of female representation was a concern.
“I recognise that in some ways, we are not the most diverse council in terms of gender, and I hope that will change in the future but we are diverse nonetheless; we have people who are Independent, people who are from government parties and from opposition parties.”
“While we have our differences, one thing we share is our democratic mandate as elected officials.”
“We are elected by the voices of thousands of people and we should never forget that,” Cllr Moore added.
Also the Vice Chairperson of Trim Tidy Towns, Cllr Moore said that one of his priorities for the coming year would be supporting disability services and local groups by “adding value to the amazing work they do.”
“I think we should continue to prioritise the area each and everyone of us feel is important,” he told councillors.
Meanwhile, the AGM also saw the election of a new Leas-Chathaoirleach, with Cllr Noel French taking on the role—also for another term.