The new faces of local democracy: Family carer turned Meath councillor continues to fight for a more inclusive community
After 23 years as a carer, much of it spent advocating and campaigning for those with disabilities, a Meath County Council councillor who was elected for the first time last year has said her motivation to enter politics was rooted in a sense of isolation.
“Change is needed and there was nobody who was speaking up for me, I felt isolated and unheard,” Independent councillor Carol Lennon said.
The activist was elected to the Laytown/Bettystown area on the the last count on having received 934 first preference votes.
When asked if there was a specific local issue that pushed her into politics, she said: “Disability and token inclusion was a real problem for me… it’s easier to be inclusive from the outset than an afterthought and tokenism.”
The mother of five said her personal background is central to her priorities as a councillor.
“I’ve been a family carer for my five children (now aged 17 to 28) and disability discrimination has always been on my agenda. I qualified as a barrister in 2023 and finally had a foot in the door of change.”
The biggest surprise so far, Cllr Lennon said, has been discovering where the power lies.
“Lack of transparency, accountability and becoming aware that whilst councillors are the elected representatives, the executives are the true holders of power,” she said.
She also spoke about the lack of support for an Independent councillor.
“Being acknowledged as an equal to all other elected members has been a challenge, every voice matters, every constituent counts and sometimes, as an independent, there’s lack of support.”
“I don’t pretend that I can change systems or procedures that appear inherently unfair, what I speak of is the reality of the difficulty in challenging this.”
She added: “I am always available to residents on my social media platforms, by telephone and I have a regular clinic in Bettystown that is currently open on Thursdays from 5 until 7pm when I’m not at training. I also make myself available if the need arises.”
"If one cannot get to me I will get to them. I’ve little interest in talking the talk… I’m more interested in walking the walk and I’m confident that the electorate will see that.”
Speaking on her priorities for the coming year, the Independent councillor said: "I hope to secure the trust of the community, I want to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, I want the electorate to take their role as employers and to stop the elected members running wild with their taxes.”
“Redeveloping community is also a priority of mine… I think concrete walls have created a huge divide. Investment in necessary infrastructure, particularly accessible amenities and facilities. Assisting the residents in understanding the work of the Council, its duty of care and its limitations in provision of services.”
“As councillors, we don’t have as much control as people think. We are limited to 1 question and two motions a month… sometimes our question gets answered without an actual answer and it’s difficult to tease it out when that happens.”
On the council’s effectiveness, she said: “There’s no doubt there’s been progress but it’s very very slow. There’s more talk than action and that’s frustrating.”
One motion she put forward during a council meeting which she is proud of focused on carers, “to eliminate the strict time limit of 18.5 hours per week when it comes to education and training”. This motion was accepted.
As for her political future: “I will run for elections again so long as the community endorse me," Cllr Lennon said.
“If the community wish for me to go further and say as such at the ballot box, then I’d be honoured to take a step into national politics.”
She added: "I take great pride in myself when a project I’ve been assigned succeeds. I was made for this job and I’m very privileged to be an elected member.”