*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”.
