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Seven Women Elected Cathaoirleach Across Councils – A Step Forward, But Much Further to Go
As local councils across Ireland confirm new leadership for the 2025/2026 term, only seven women have been elected to serve as Cathaoirleach (Chairperson or Mayor) across 31 local authorities. We celebrate these trailblazing women, but their small number highlights a raw truth: when it comes to political leadership, women remain grossly underrepresented across Irish local government, at 27% of local councillors and 22% of Cathaoirligh.
The appointed Cathaoirleach is considered the first citizen in each of our cities and counties and will spend a busy year representing council at public events. The role requires presiding over meetings, working closely with council executive and has a casting vote in most decisions. We are delighted that the following outstanding women will get to wear the traditional Cathaoirleach chains:
Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council
Cllr. Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council
Cllr. Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council
Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council
Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of Cork County Council
Cllr Pamela Kearns, Cathaoirleach off South County Dublin
Cllr. Catherine Slattery, Priomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council
These women represent hard work, leadership, and a commitment to public service. Their appointment is testament to the strength and capability of women in Irish politics. However, their minority status also reflects a systemic issue: a lack of gender balance in local political leadership. The situation is particularly relevant with the appointment of Cllr. Aoife Davitt as Cathaoirleach in Westmeath, the first time a woman to hold the role in the 126 year history of the council.
Political parties have a critical responsibility to promote gender equality within their membership. This means prioritising the selection and support of women candidates, especially for leadership roles. Without strong, deliberate action progress will remain incremental.
Programme Manager Dr Michelle Maher says, “As the saying goes, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ The absence of women in visible positions of political power limits the aspirations of the next generation. It’s not enough to celebrate the few — we must work to change the system so that women are no longer the exception in leadership, but the norm”.
See Her Elected commend the seven women Cathaoirligh who have broken through barriers this year. But we also call on political parties, community organisations, and government bodies to take stronger action to ensure that by 2026, their numbers are not an anomaly — but the start of a new standard.
Equality in leadership is a necessity for a healthy democracy.
