Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is extending best wishes to Jackie Cahill T.D. on his retirement from Public Office.
The Fianna Fáil TD who is 61 announced last night that will not be a candidate in the upcoming general election for health reasons and the demands of the job over the next 5 years. Deputy Lowry says he is disappointed for Jackie that his political career has been halted due to ill health and adds that he hopes Deputy Cahill’s health is restored to allow him to live a normal and satisfying life. Both TDs are from the parish of Holycross Ballycahill and Deputy Lowry adds that he knows Deputy Cahill held a deep commitment to his role as a public representative and describes him as a good Oireachtas colleague. Fianna Fáil party colleague Eamon O’Cuiv posted on social media – “Sorry to see you go but respect your decision”
Cllr David Dunne(Sinn Fein) is also expressing good wishes saying he always got on well with Deputy Cahill and found him to be “a very astute politician. We had our disagreements on policy but that was always respectful” – concluded Cllr Dunne in a post on social media.
The North Tipperary/North West Kilkenny Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair(CDC) is to meet soon to select a candidate for the General Election with some speculation that a female candidate is needed on the ticket to help the party met the 40% female representation to secure State funding. The name of Mary Hanafin is being mentioned as a possible candidate – currently a councillor in Dun Laoghaire, Ms Hanafin is from Thurles and a former Minister. The sitting TDs in the constituency are Regional Independent Michael Lowry aged 70 and Labour’s Alan Kelly, aged 49. Fine Gael have selected Ballina based Cllr Phil Bugler to stand in the election, the Green Party has selected Cloughjordan based Iva Pocock as it’s candidate while Dan Harty, Thurles, is to contest the election on behalf of Sinn Fein.
