'I'm a proud Norrie from Mayfield' says city's newest councillor 

Mayfield mother and community activist Jerrica Struthers has been co-opted onto Cork City Council in place of retiring councillor Ted Tynan.

Mr Tynan, a councillor for the Cork City North East ward, announced at last month’s council meeting that he would step down from the council due to ill health, after a political career spanning five decades.

Ms Struthers’ co-option was proposed by Solidarity — People Before Profit’s Brian McCarthy and seconded by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy.

Ms Struthers thanked Ted Tynan and the Workers’ Party, saying she was “truly honoured” for their trust in her.

She told Mr Tynan: “You’ve been my mentor and my friend, and I’m here to carry on the grit, dedication, and hard work.”

She said that she was not a natural politician.

“I’m a council tenant, a mother and a proud Norrie from Mayfield,” she said.

“I know exactly what it feels like to be left behind by the system and to have to fight to be heard.

“I might not have the big words or the airs and graces, but I have plenty of lived experience and I’m here to get to work.”

Ms Struthers will also replace Mr Tynan on the council’s transport and mobility strategic policy committee; the strategic, economic development, enterprise and planning strategic policy committee; the north east local area committee, and the climate action committee.