Tributes have been paid to local Fine Gael Councillor Michael Fitzgerald as he announces that he will not be standing in the 2024 local elections. Cllr Fitzgerald has been a councillor in Tipperary since 1979 – his father Michael also served as a councillor.
The 68 year old achieved a return of 3,005 first preference votes in the 2019 local elections for the Cashel Tipperary LEA. Party colleague Cllr John Crosse paid tribute to his colleague today saying no issue was too big or small for Cllr Fitzgerald. He praised the Councillor for his contribution in chairing the first Tipperary County Council established in 2014 following the amalgamation of North and South Tipperary and the abolition of town councils. Cllr Fitzgerald had also served as Chair of South Tipp Council on two occasions in 1992 and 2002.
Sinead Carr, Director of Services with Tipperary County Council posted on social media – that “It will be hard to find another like you Michael – forthright, direct, hardworking and always with integrity. Any hard decisions that needed to be made in the best interests of the county, you were always the first to stand-up to take it even if it cost you personally.”
Fianna Fáil Councillors also paid tribute with Cllr Michael Anglim says he is “in debt to Cllr Fitzgerald for assistance and advice” and adding that the decision “took steely courage which Tipperary County Council Chamber will be all the lesser for not having that steel at it’s heart.”
Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne is also extending good wishes as is Labour Councillor Fiona Bonfield who posted that Cllr Fitzgerald will be very much missed in the Council Chamber – describing Mr. Fitzgerald as “always the voice of reason. “
Fr Pat Coffey Parish Priest of Golden and Kilfeacle, the councillor’s home parish paid tribute to Michael Fitzgerald’s “magnificent record of public service. You are and have been selfless, available, approachable, reasoned in difficult situations.” He thanked the Councillor for the unclaimed work done quietly, behind the scenes, for many constituents regardless of their affiliation, describing Cllr. Fitzgerald as an “exemplary humanitarian.”
Noel Dundon, former editor of the Tipperary Star also paid tribute saying “ What a legend of local politics and a man of integrity, honesty and a real sense of fairness. Mick Fitz will be missed on Tipperary County Council – the role he played as Cathaoirleach of the first reunified council should never be underestimated as he helped to manage a very tricky scenario with skill, good humour and common sense. He epitomises all that is good about local politics and has rightly been regarded as the Father of Tipperary County Council for some years.”
