BREAKING: Women elected to the top two jobs in Kildare local politics

The top two jobs on Kildare County Council have gone to women.

Sallins-based councillor Carmel Kelly was elected to the role of cathaoirleach this afternoon in Aras Cill Dara, Naas.

She was joined by her Fianna Fáil colleague Cllr Veralouise Behan, who is from Ballyroe, near Athy, who will serve as her deputy, the leas cathaoirleach.

Cllr Kelly, a former political secretary for the late Fianna Fáil TD Michael Fitzpatrick, was nominated by Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick, Michael’s son.

Cllr Kelly said a lot of work lies ahead for KCC, including a revision of the county development plan.

“I’m asking that we work together as a team; there is no strength without unity and true strength lies in the ability to work together to ensure Kildare is the best county it can be,” Cllr Kelly said in her first words after receiving the chain of office from outgoing cathaoirleach Kevin Duffy (Fine Gael) from Monasterevin.

Cllr Behan was put forward by FF’s Paul Ward, who described her as an excellent and hard working politician, who has served as cathaoirleach of the Athy Municipal District committee.

He said her family is steeped in farming and politics.

Cllr Behan said she felt very fortunate to be elected.

Referring to her fellow councillors she said: “This a roomful of people who care about their communities."