Historic first for Social Democrats as Caroline Winstanley becomes party’s first county council chair
The Wicklow PeopleSocial Democrats councillor Caroline Winstanley has become the first member of her party to be elected as cathaoirleach of a county council.
The Bray West representative was elected cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council on Monday, following an annual meeting that moved between heartfelt tributes, political reflection and moments of pointed exchange.
Watching from the public gallery was the party’s Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore, who observed as her colleague secured the chain of office after a roll-call vote.
Outgoing Fine Gael cathaoirleach Melanie Corrigan delivered a warm and candid farewell address, reflecting on her year in office with humour and sincerity. She recalled the nerves she felt when first taking the chair and the mantra that carried her through difficult moments: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
She spoke of travelling across Wicklow, meeting volunteers, attending community festivals and representing the county at national and international events.
“Serving as cathaoirleach has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” she said, adding with a smile that she would miss her dedicated parking space almost as much as the role itself.
New cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Caroline Winstanley with Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore. © Wicklow County Council
Her remarks prompted tributes from across the chamber. Cllr Tom Fortune said: “You have been an excellent chair… very fair. Everyone got their chance.”
Cllr Paul O’Brien praised her “class, dignity and professionalism,” while Cllr Danny Alvey commended her calmness “even when the debate gets heated”.
Chief executive Emer O’Gorman added her thanks, noting that Cllr Corrigan had shown “a calm head” during a year of difficult decisions and had worked constructively with staff throughout.
With the tributes concluded, the council moved to elect a new cathaoirleach. Two candidates were nominated: Caroline Winstanley, proposed by Cllr Mark Barry and seconded by Cllr Danny Alvey, and independent councillor Joe Behan, proposed by Cllr Peir Leonard and seconded by Cllr Malachaí Duddy.
Cllr Winstanley’s nominators highlighted her work in disability inclusion, youth engagement and community development. Cllr Behan’s supporters emphasised his long record of public service and his reputation for fairness and integrity.
The roll-call vote confirmed Cllr Winstanley as the new cathaoirleach by 20-11 with one absentee, prompting applause from councillors and a smile from Deputy Whitmore in the gallery.
After the vote independent councillor Gerry O’Neill delivered one of the meeting’s most forceful interventions. Addressing Cllr Winstanley and the chamber, he said he wanted to register his disgust.
“This is probably the most horrible meeting we have here every year. And the way these positions are set up, horse trading, to me now it turns me stomach.”
He continued with a blistering critique of how he believes positions are allocated: “We have it every time… just because of horse trading they never get a look in the door… It is disgusting.”
He went on to criticise what he described as “so‑called independents” and expressed frustration that long‑serving councillors “don’t have a hope in hell of getting in the door”. He concluded that it was a sad day for democracy… but I suppose that’s the way it’s going to work here.”
Cllr Warren O’Toole responded to Cllr O’Neill’s comments. “Thanks, Gerry for always keeping us in your thoughts,” he began, adding with a pointed aside, “If you want to have a conversation, I don’t know if we’d have you back.”
He defended the integrity of the process, and expressed regret that Cllr Behan had not been elected, calling him “one of the top councillors in this room,” but said his own experience with Cllr Winstanley had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Somebody that’s a perfect role model for children… her work… is second to none and I look forward to working with her in the future,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Cllr Winstanley described the moment as “a very proud one” for herself and her family, having only entered public life two years ago.
She reflected on her unexpected path into politics, noting that she had not originally intended to run for office. A speech and language therapist by profession, she spoke about how her work with autistic people and adults with disabilities had shaped her understanding of inclusion and representation.
New cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Caroline Winstanley with Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore and her council colleagues Cllr Danny Alvey and Cllr Mark Barry. © Wicklow County Council
Speaking after the meeting Deputy Whitmore offered a strong endorsement of the new cathaoirleach.
“Caroline’s election as cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council is a very proud moment for the Social Democrats,” she said.
“Caroline is so deserving of this role and I am incredibly proud of her.”
Deputy Whitmore also highlighted Cllr Winstanley’s background in disability services and her long‑standing commitment to community work as key metrics that will guide her leadership over the coming year.
The meeting concluded with the election of the leas‑cathaoirleach, with Fine Gael councillor Avril Cronin taking the position unopposed.
Cllr Winstanley’s election marks a milestone for the Social Democrats in Wicklow and comes at a time of growing national momentum for the party.
But within the chamber, the focus remained firmly on the year ahead. As the new cathaoirleach put it, she intends to serve “every corner of this county” with fairness, dedication and a commitment to ensuring all voices are heard.