Politics Discussion - UCD
Working as a county councillor can be extremely rewarding according to Greystones Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott.
She made her comments as part of a panel discussion titled “An Introduction to Irish Politics”, organised by UCD Politics and International Relations Society last month. The speakers, comprising a number of local and national representatives discussed their personal journeys into politics and what attracted them to their respective parties.
Cllr Scott mentioned that “the biggest motivation for me is to make sure all voices in the community are represented in the decisions being taken by the Council”, noting that, of the 6 councillors in Greystones, she is the only woman. She also highlighted the importance of really listening to people to understand the challenges they are facing and said that getting things done requires “persistence and an ability to deal with setbacks”.
Referencing the Green Party’s commitment to fairness and equality while striving to address the significant challenges facing the environment, Cllr Scott noted that it is important is to represent those values on the ground in an authentic way that is relevant for the local community.
The speakers agreed that despite the challenges, there are unique rewards to the role, such as the satisfaction that comes from helping to address issues of importance to the community with Cllr Scott giving some examples of the kind of projects she has successfully brought forward. “One of the first motions I tabled, the introduction of free period products in libraries, has been so successful that funding of €10,000 has been awarded by the Department of Health to expand the scheme further across Wicklow. More recently I led an initiative to introduce a 30kph speed limit around schools, to address parents’ concerns about road safety and air pollution. I am proud to say that Wicklow is the first county to introduce this and it will have a hugely positive impact around our school gates.”
When asked about the best way to a career path in politics the speakers discussed their different backgrounds and how there is no “one way” into politics, with Cllr Scott noting that being an elected representative required above all else“ a passion for working on what you believe in.”
In what was a lively and wide-ranging discussion, members of the audience also heard the views of the panel in relation to a range of other matters such as housing and direct provision.
“The level of engagement and interest from UCD students was fantastic to see. I encourage everyone to make sure that they have their say in the upcoming local and European elections and make sure that they are registered to vote. This can now be done easily online on checktheregister.ie”
