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'Mam would have been so proud'

Friday, 26 June 2009

NEW Dublin Lord Mayor Emer Costello says last week’s election as Dublin’s first citizen was a proud moment, but one that was tinged with a little sadness. “I was really quite surprised and honoured to be elected unanimously,” she told Northside People. “I was really privileged that the Labour group put me forward for the position. “But I was of course a little disappointed that my late mother wasn’t there to see it. She would have been so proud. “She was 96, very bright and had been absolutely thrilled when I got Deputy Lord Mayor last year. “I always wanted to bring her to the Mansion House to show her around but unfortunately her health deteriorated before I got the chance to do that. “I’m sure both my parents were there in spirit on the night. “My parents instilled in me my strong sense of social justice, compassion and equality and it’s these values that I bring to all aspects of my council work. These values were my primary motivation for getting into politics.” Mayor Costello said her election to the role reflected a changing time for the council members. “The fact that I was unanimously elected shows a certain maturity on the council,” she told Northside People. “All of the party representatives recognise the need to work together and we are determined to become more policy driven.” The Dundalk native said helping to create more jobs in the city would be on her list of priorities during her time in office. “It’s difficult to find a family that hasn’t been touched by unemployment,” the North Inner City councillor explained. “People are afraid of losing the jobs that they’ve had for many years. They are afraid of losing their homes. Losing a job has a huge effect on a person’s dignity and their sense of value. There is a widespread feeling of powerlessness. “I will work with the council on how we can stimulate the local economy and boost employment. The local authority has a role to play in tackling the issue of unemployment. “Over the coming year the city council will produce a Draft City Development Plan for adoption from 2011 to 2016. “This will provide the basis for the future growth and development of the city and will constitute one of the most important tasks we face this coming year.” Mayor Costello also assured that she would also be “keeping a watchful eye” on the progress of the regeneration projects planned for the city to ensure they are completed as planned. “I’m still a representative of my constituency and I will continue to act as one even if that involves being critical of the council.” The new Lord Mayor has represented the North Inner City ward since being co-opted to the seat vacated by her husband Joe Costello in 2003. She was re-elected to the council twice, most recently on the June 5 election on the first count with 2,084 votes. “Joe is not at all happy with the title of Lady Mayoress but he’s thrilled with the role,” Mayor Costello noted. The couple will now call the Mansion House their home for the next year. “I will continue to represent my constituents but I hope to be the voice of all the people,” Mayor Costello stated. “I will lend any support I can to the people of Dublin and particularly I want to say to the victims of institutional abuse that they will always find a friend in the Mansion House. The door will always be open.”