Mayo's newest councillor appointed today

MAYO has a new councillor.

Marie Therese Duffy from Ballina has been co-opted on to Mayo County Council as an Independent member, taking the seat vacated by her brother, Mark, on his election to the Seanad.

Her appointment brings to five the number of women sitting on the local authority.

The primary school teacher was unanimously elected. With no other nominations made at today's sitting of the local authority, her appointment did not require a vote.

She was proposed for the position by Councillor Jarlath Munnelly (Fine Gael) and seconded by Councillor Michael Loftus (Fianna Fáil).

Councillor Duffy said she looked forward to continuing her brother's work in the community and is committed to working tirelessly for her constituents and with her new council colleagues for the betterment of the county.

Mark Duffy was elected as an Independent councillor last year but subsequently joined Fine Gael. He vacated his seat on being elected to the Seanad.