Cavan-Monaghan TD Cathy Bennett is encouraging more women to get involved in local and national politics.
In celebration of International Women' Day, Deputy Bennett said while some progress has been made, there is still not enough female representation in the political field.
Before the 2024 local elections, Deputy Bennett was one of only two female councillors on Monaghan County Council.
Deputy Bennett said she is "proud" that in 2026, there is now a total of three female councillors in the council chamber, as well as herself representing constituents in Cavan and Monaghan in Dail Eireann.
Despite this, Deputy Bennett said she would like to see a more balanced figure when it comes to the gender ratio sitting on local authorities across the county.
The Sinn Fein TD also highlighted the work of the Monaghan Women's Assembly which was formed in 2019 to entice more women to come together and share their voices.
The aim of the Women's Assembly was to create a voice for women in local politics and to support initiatives which encourage the participation of women in local government. The group also highlights issues facing women in County Monaghan.
Deputy Bennett has encouraged women of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the local women's assembly. Deputy Bennett said it's been a "long and challenging road" so far however she is proud of the amount of female representatives on Monaghan County Council today. She told Northern Sound that it's important to "be the change that you want to see."
