Roscommon woman's new role with female political representation initiative

Roscommon resident Mairéad O'Shea has been appointed as the new communications manager for See Her Elected (SHE), a feminist, community-led, rural initiative to support women into politics.

Mairéad is originally from Lanesboro in Longford but has lived in Roscommon town for many years. She is a former journalist with over twenty years' experience, and a former Deputy Editor of The Roscommon Herald.

She started her career in journalism in The Longford Leader, and in more recent years has been working as a Media and PR consultant.

Mairéad has vast experience in the political arena, including election campaigns, and previously worked as a parliamentary assistant to a TD. She is also a director (voluntary) of the Roscommon Women’s Network.

CEO of Longford Women's Link Tara Farrell announced the appointment, saying: "Mairéad brings considerable media, journalistic and political experience to the role. We are delighted to have her on board."

Dr Michelle Maher, Programme Manager with See Her Elected (SHE), said: "Mairéad brings great enthusiasm, experience and skill to the role. She is an exceptional asset, both to the continuing development of the SHE programme and to enhancing the practical, experience-led support from SHE to women candidates in local elections and their campaign teams."

SHE aims to strengthen local democracy and increase the diversity of voices in politics with a particular focus on the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal. It is a joint initiative between 50:50 Northwest and Longford Women’s Link.

The project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is headed up by Westmeath Minister of State Peter Burke.