Sinn Féin's Marie Therese Gallagher will not seek re-election

Sinn Féin Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher has announced she will not be contesting the upcoming local elections. 

The councillor has represented the people of the Glenties Municipal District (GMD) since 2007 and has served as Cathaoirleach of the GMD during her tenure. 

When elected, Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher was the youngest member of Donegal County Council (DCC). 

Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty paid tribute to his colleague and his friend Maire Therese Gallagher. Deputy Doherty thanked her for her massive contribution to Donegal and Sinn Féin, and for her dedication and public service.
Cllr Maire Therese Gallagher said: "Today I am announcing that I will not be contesting the upcoming local election in Donegal. It has been an honour to serve the people of Glenties and Donegal since 2007, and I look forward to continuing that work in the remaining months.
"When I entered politics and took my place on Donegal County Council, I was determined to represent the people of Donegal and work for our community to the highest standard. Every time I was elected by the people as their representative was a source of great pride, which I will always cherish. Working for them was a privilege and I want to thank them for giving me that opportunity. Since I took my seat on Donegal County Council, Sinn Féin has grown in strength and representation. I have always endevoured to be a strong Republican voice for the people of Donegal, putting our community first and working hard on their behalf. Now is the right time for someone else to come forward and represent the interests of workers and families in Donegal."
She said she will remain a committed Sinn Féin activist, and I want to thank the party for their support and hard work over the years.

Teachta Doherty said: "I want to sincerely thank Maire Therese for the massive contribution she has made as a councillor over the past 16 years.
"Maire Therese has served the community and people of Donegal with compassion and dedication over many years. When Maire Therese succeeded me on Donegal County Council, Sinn Féin had four seats on Donegal County Council and no TDs.
"Today, our party has ten seats on the council and two TDs in Dáil Éireann.
Maire Therese has been a driving force behind our party's growth in the county, as a result of her commitment to the community and people of Donegal. During her time as councillor, Maire Therese served with distinction as Deputy Mayor for the county and as Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District. Maire Therese is highly respected not only in our party, but in Donegal and Glenties. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with her over so many years. There is no doubt that a person of her talent and character will be greatly missed. We were so lucky to have her. I have no doubt that Maire Therese will remain a committed and invaluable member of our party. As Maire Therese moves forward in this new chapter, I wish her and her family the very best for the future."