East Galway TDs confirm retirements

VAST changes are likely in the political representation of East Galway after two stalwarts of the constituency and Fine Gael announced they do not plan to run in the upcoming General Election.
Deputies Paul Connnaughton and Ulick Burke both confirmed their retirements in the past week.
“I have served in politics since 1974 and was elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007. Now that I have reached retirement age, I feel that it is the right time for me to step aside and let a younger generation carry the torch for the constituents in Galway East. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the people of Galway East for the last 36 years. I deeply appreciate the trust they placed in me,” Deputy Burke stated. He also paid tribute to his family, friends, colleagues and staff who helped him throughout his career.
“It is with regret that I am leaving politics before Fine Gael has the opportunity to get a mandate from the people to lead the next government. Under that Fine Gael-led government, we will address some of the difficulties the elderly and people with disabilities have in getting their entitlements. Fianna Fáil has neglected to protect the most vulnerable and it is up to us, in Fine Gael, to be their voice,” he continued confidently.
Councillor Bridie Willers has worked for Deputy Burke in his constituency office for the past 13 years.
“I think his commitment was unbelievable to the constituency and to Fine Gael. He was an incredible worker. I couldn’t say enough about his deep commitment to his constituents. After 37 years in politics, he deserves a rest. He was one of the nicest guys to work for, you’d never find a boss as nice,” Councillor Willers stated. Councillor Willers, a former deputy mayor of County Galway, also asserted she has no intention of standing in the upcoming General Election.
Earlier last week, Fine Gael TD for Galway East Paul Connaughton also confirmed he will not contest the next election. The 66-year-old former junior minister for agriculture has been a TD since 1981. He is currently the party’s deputy spokesman on foreign affairs with special responsibility for the Irish diaspora.
The Fine Gael convention is likely to be held in mid-December at which the number and identity of candidates will be selected. Those in the frame to seek the party nomination include Tom McHugh in North Galway, former county mayor Peter Feeney, Jimmy Mc Clearn and Senator Ciarán Cannon.
Fianna Fáil deputy Michael Kitt has said he will contest the election with his party’s support while deputy Noel Treacy expects to stand pending medical approval. If Deputy Treacy doesn’t stand, Gort Councillor Gerry Finnerty is likely to throw his hat into the ring but this is unlikely to be clarified until the new year.
The Labour Party has selected Councillor Colm Keaveney as its candidate for the constituency of Galway East.
“I am determined to secure for the Labour Party, a seat in Galway East so that we can deliver a Government that has Labour values at its core, with Eamon Gilmore as Taoiseach. There is a massive job of work to be done if Labour is to be successful in Galway East and myself and my campaign team will leave no stone unturned in that regard,” Councillor Keaveney stated.
Another name which may appear on the ballot paper is that of Independent Galway County Councillor Michael Fahey.