Roscommon councillor’s elevation to Seanad “a great opportunity for the county”

Fine Gael councillor Gareth Scahill’s appointment to Seanad Éireann is "a great opportunity for West Roscommon, North Roscommon and the county in general", according to a party colleague.

The Castlerea councillor was among the Taoiseach’s eleven nominees to the Upper House, which were announced earlier today.

Party colleague, Cllr Liam Callaghan, is wishing Cllr Scahill the very best in his new role as a Senator.

“Gareth has hit the ground running on all fronts since his success in last year’s June local elections. 

"He is very popular throughout the whole constituency and has a very strong community track record,” he said.

Paying tribute to the outgoing constituency Senators, Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy, Cllr Callaghan said both had given great service to the constituency.

“They were both unlucky in the Seanad elections and there was a huge void in Roscommon as a result of that. Gareth is well capable of filling that void. 

"It’s a great opportunity for West Roscommon, North Roscommon and the county in general," he said.

The Tulsk councillor also welcomed the fact that his colleague's appointment would mean another Government representative for the constituency. He said Cllr Scahill was politically astute should there be an election any time over the next five years.

Moves are now set to get underway shortly within Fine Gael to decide on his replacement in the council chamber.

In a social media post this evening, Castlerea.ie community portal congratulated the local man on his appointment.

"We're so proud to have a true Castlerea man representing us. He has always been a hardworking community champion. We're absolutely thrilled to see him take on this new role as a Senator. Well done, Gareth - you deserve it!"