A Sligo Independent councillor is to take a career break for a year from her job as a teacher to work for Sligo/Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin.
Councillor Marie Casserly confirmed the move to Ocean FM News, saying she was looking forward to the year ahead.
It has led to speculation that Cllr Casserly is preparing to eventually run for the Dail as an Independent.
But she told Ocean FM News she was not looking beyond the year ahead, especially as she has a young family and has to balance home and political life.
