Councillor's letter to seven-year-old sends 'important message' to girls

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD political activist had her voice heard by a candidate for Cork South-West when Cllr Holly Cairns took the time to pen her a letter. 

It was a typical weekday evening when Social Democrat canvassers called to Emma Connolly’s home in Bandon. 

She was speaking to a canvasser representing Cllr Holly Cairns about issues which she feels are most pressing in Bandon and environs, when her seven-year-old daughter, Willow, joined the conversation and voiced her concerns over the lack of resources in her constituency. 

Top of her list were things like improved amenities such as "nicer playgrounds" and reduced bus fares. 

"It was a lovely chat for all three of us on the doorstep," Emma told The Echo. 

"A couple of days later we had a fantastic surprise. 

"We came down and found a letter addressed to Willow. 

"She was over the moon to have some post of her own and felt like a superstar," Emma continued. 

The letter from Ms Cairns lauded Willow for her interest and enthusiasm in improving services in Bandon. It read:

"My friend Majo told me she met you, your sister and your mum the other night. 

"She was very impressed by all your ideas to make Bandon nicer. 

"I think smaller prices for houses and buses is so important! 

"And so is having places to do fun things like the cinema, swimming pool and nicer playgrounds like you suggested. 

"Majo told me that your mum also really cared about having better services for people with disabilities, this is something I really care about too!"

Ms Cairns also sent out a preset for Willow, her mum and her sister:

"I’m sending a few badges that say 'more mná' because I really think we need more women and girls like your mum, you and your sister to run this country. 

"Say hi to Tiger and Tuxedo. 

"I have a cat called Blaze and she looks just like Tuxedo!"

Willow was delighted to receive the personal letter, and her mum was highly impressed that the candidate took the time to pen it.

"Willow was telling all the girls in school about the letter and I was so thankful that Holly took the time to write it. 

"Obviously Willow doesn’t have a vote, but I think it’s so important for her to realise that her voice matters and she is listened to. 

"Holly’s gesture sends an important message to young girls."