New role on Fianna Fáil’s Committee of 15 caps family legacy for Edel McSharry

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The Fianna Fáil party held its 84th Ard Fheis last weekend as members celebrated the centenary of the foundation of the party with significant news from a Sligo point of view as Cllr Edel McSharry was elected to the party’s National Executive as a member of the Committee of 15.

The National Executive is the governing body of Fianna Fáil between Ard Fheiseanna and plays a central role in shaping party policy, strengthening party organisation and overseeing its strategic direction.

Cllr McSharry said she was deeply honoured to be elected by members from across the country.

“I am extremely grateful to the members of Fianna Fáil for placing their trust in me and electing me to the Committee of 15 during this historic centenary year.

“This Ard Fheis was particularly significant because it was held exactly 100 years to the day since Countess Constance Markievicz met with Éamon de Valera and fellow republican leaders to discuss the political future of Ireland. That meeting helped shape the vision and momentum that led to the foundation of Fianna Fáil.

“The North West has always played a strong and influential role in Fianna Fáil and in shaping Ireland’s future. It is a tremendous honour to build on the legacy of my uncle, Ray MacSharry (Ex Tánaiste, Minister, EU Commissioner), and my family’s long tradition of public service, including Marc MacSharry TD and former Councillor Tom MacSharry.

“Our centenary was an opportunity to reflect on all that Fianna Fáil has achieved over the past century, but it was also a reminder that there is still much more to do. Families and communities across Ireland continue to face major challenges in housing, healthcare, infrastructure and balanced regional development.

“As we begin our second century, our responsibility is to ensure Fianna Fáil remains a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking movement that stays connected to grassroots members and continues to deliver practical solutions for the people we serve.

“I am committed to listening to members, helping to shape party policy, strengthening communication between members and leadership, and supporting efforts to grow and modernise our organisation.”

Cllr McSharry also welcomed the election of four representatives from Ógra Fianna Fáil to the Committee of 15.

“It is particularly encouraging to see four Ógra representatives elected to serve alongside me. Their energy, diversity and ideas are essential as we renew and strengthen our party for the future.”

Cllr McSharry said the centenary Ard Fheis demonstrated both the enduring strength of Fianna Fáil, its contribution to society and life over the past 100 years and the party’s determination to address the pressing issues facing communities in Sligo, the north west and across Ireland.”

She concluded, “The challenges may have changed over the past 100 years, but our purpose remains the same: to serve the people of Ireland and to build a fairer, stronger and more prosperous future for all.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.