*Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and retired Cllr James Breen (IND) dissect tallies at the 2020 General Election count. Photograph: John Mangan

CONFIDENCE in Clare’s Oireachtas members has taken a dent following the sudden resignation of Shannon Group Chairman, Pádraig Ó Céidigh according to a former Independent TD.

A Clare TD from 2002 to 2007, James Breen (IND) has admitted the pace at which he is losing faith in the county’s politicians is increasing after Shannon Airport suffered a setback with Ó Céidigh departing the role. Conal Henry has swiftly been announced as his successor but discontent remains.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Kilnamona man commented, “I haven’t much confidence in our four TDs, we have seven Oireachtas members and they seem to be sitting by and letting things happen and then talk about when it happens”.

Also of concern to the former Mayor of Clare was the country’s health service. “The Minister initiated an investigation on the ongoing delivery costs and overcrowding, we had four TDs, seven Oireachtas members that watched that and let it happen, there was no word about it. Our health service is in an awful state and what are they doing”.

Presently, Clare are served at a national level by four TDs, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND), Michael McNamara (IND), Cathal Crowe (FF) and Joe Carey (FG) plus three Senators, Martin Conway (FG), Timmy Dooley (FF) and Roisin Garvey (GP).

Separately, Breen acknowledged the late Pat Fitzpatrick and Tomsie O’Sullivan of Ennis and Lahinch respectively following their recent deaths. “What them people did for their communities on a voluntary basis is unequalled. As ex TD, I can tell you that they were unselfish with their time, they always had a good word to say and worked for their community”.

“Pat Fitzpatrick was deeply involved in the GAA and everything in his community, he was always happy go lucky, he always put his points forward, he looked for the best and everything that was good for the young people of Clare and the community he lived in,” he said of the Knockerra native who ran Fitzpatrick’s Gourmet Garage on the Tulla Rd since the 1970s.

O’Sullivan was a stalwart of the Lahinch RNLI and James said, “Tomsie was a great community activist, he was always there, he never drank or smoke, he always had a smile and put his points forward in such a persuasive nature that you couldn’t but listen to him”.

He continued, “they brought volunteerism to a new stage when you see what they have done. They are a great loss to their communities, families and friends. They were great people. If you talk about volunteerism, they stand out to show people what you can do as a volunteer”.

Related News

boylesports roslevan 1
Judge jails balaclava covered knife wielding robber
enzo d'auria
The Italian Job: How the movie industry brought Enzo to Ennis
martina cleary 1
Sinn Féin announce Clare Pyrite Action Group founder Martina Cleary as Killaloe MD candidate
colette cowan 1
UHL CEO Cowan returns from leave period
Latest News
clare v down 24-03-24 ronan lanigan shane annett
Lanigan looks to the bright side as Clare's league campaign ends
Shirley Brohan headshot
Blossoms on the Go garden centre's tip for the final week of March.
marie donnellan 2
Newmarket-on-Fergus native Marie appointed CEO of Platform94
martina cleary 1
Sinn Féin announce Clare Pyrite Action Group founder Martina Cleary as Killaloe MD candidate
colette cowan 1
UHL CEO Cowan returns from leave period
Premium
colette cowan 1
UHL CEO Cowan returns from leave period
helen downes 1
'We'll meet on our terms & not be dictated to by Shannon Chamber' - Shannon Town Cllrs
helga himmelsbach ballyvaughan protest
Tourist charged with dangerous driving causing death of 71 year old
clare v dublin camogie 26-03-23 ciara grogan 1
Clare drop down to Division 1B
clonlara v kiladangan 19-11-23 aidan moriarty 1
Clonlara & Newmarket-on-Fergus victorious in second round of Clare Cup

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top