A former Athlone mayor and Green Party Councillor has announced her intention to contest the upcoming election as an independent. Louise Heavin lost her seat on Westmeath County Council in June's local election having served as a local representative since the 2019. The architect, along with Councillor Hazel Smyth was one the first Green Party Councillors in Westmeath and went on to serve as Mayor of Athlone.
She is to now step away from the Green Party and pursue a seat in Dáil Eireann as an Independent. Speaking to Shannonside FM News shortly after the announcement, Louise says she hopes to bring a progressive voice from the region to Leinster House:
When discussing her split with the Greens, the former councillor says the public's view of the party has been pigeonholing her:
