Sinn Féin’s Breda Brennan has been elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford.

The Kilcohan-based councillor was backed by members of the Progressive Alliance, including the Greens, Labour and four Independents.

She saw off competition from Fine Gael’s Lola O’Sullivan, who had the backing of Fianna Fáil.

Party colleague Jim Griffin will be her deputy for the coming twelve months.

Mayor Brennan says she wants to make the council more inclusive during her term:

“I am honoured and privileged to be elected Mayor of the Waterford City Metropolitan District.

“I intend to use my term to promote all of Waterford and all that it has to offer.

“I intend to put young people front and centre in my year as Mayor. Young people are our future. They must have a stake in the development of our City. We must listen to our young people more and especially in the content of formulating development plans.

“There are many more groups I intend to work with over the coming year. From those who advocate for carers, community and voluntary groups and sporting groups from across the city – I will do my best to be a voice for you all.