SOCIAL Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan this week sprung into action to add her name to the race for the position of Limerick’s first directly elected mayor.
Announcing her candidacy, Ms O’Donovan said that, if given the chance, she will strive to build safe and proud spaces across Limerick, work towards a cleaner environment and better public amenities, community health and wellbeing, and dedicate herself to transparent decision-making.
Ms O’Donovan, who was the first Social Democrat elected in Munster in 2019, professes to be hugely ambitious for Limerick and its future.
“I know that, with the right leadership, Limerick can thrive and become the best place in Ireland to live,” she said.
“As a frontline healthcare worker, I have a different perspective than many in politics. My work has taught me valuable lessons about the resilience of the people who live here; the strength of our local communities and the deficits we have in so many of our important services.
“I know that Limerick has so much potential, much of which is unfortunately being wasted because of a lack of focus and priority from central government. I know that with the right mayor in place – one who values honesty, integrity, and accountability – we can change that.”
Cllr O’Donovan’s vision for Limerick, she says, includes building a county that is fair, creative, prosperous, and healthy.
“A key focus will also be the environment and ensuring that Limerick becomes the greenest and cleanest county in the country. Crucially, I also believe that we need much more transparency and accountability in local authority decision-making and much greater engagement with the public.”
Cllr O’Donovan said that “the role of mayor in Limerick is a new one and whoever is elected will shape the future growth and development of the county for the next five years”.
“The stakes could not be higher and we must get this right,” she stated.
“Ultimately, we must elect a mayor who will place the wellbeing of the people of Limerick at the heart of every decision and policy. As I have done in council, I give a commitment to do this and to work tirelessly to improve life for everyone across the city and county.”
