Killeen bows out

The shock retirement of Minister for Defence Tony Killeen from national politics has thrown the general election race wide open for the four-seater Clare constituency.
Minister Killeen confirmed to The Clare Champion on Wednesday evening his decision not to seek re-election to Dáil Éireann  “after medical appraisal and advice in recent weeks”.
Minister Killeen informed An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen of his decision on Wednesday morning. He subsequently confirmed to family members he was stepping down once the 30th Dáil is dissolved.
He decided to bow out of politics this week ahead of the Clare Fianna Fáil General Election Selection Convention on Sunday, January 16, to allow other prospective candidates an opportunity to put themselves forward.
His withdrawal is regarded as a major blow to Fianna Fáil’s chance of retaining two seats in Clare and increases the possibility of Labour making a breakthrough for the first time since 1992 with its new candidate, Michael McNamara. With Clare guaranteed at least one new TD, the campaign is sure to be contested with fierce intensity, even within party ranks.
Deputy Killeen revealed he was never more confident of being elected and said he was aware of a number of polls conducted by political parties indicating he would retain his seat.
The Clare Champion has learned from a reliable source that the outgoing defence minister was polling extremely well in different polls including a one conducted by Fianna Fáil.
It is expected that Fine Gael will add a third candidate to its Dáil ticket alongside outgoing TDs, Pat Breen and Joe Carey, who will be fancied to retain their seats, when its national executive meets this Saturday night.
Two local county councillors, Martin Conway and former Mayor of Clare, Tony Mulcahy as well as another former TD and mayor, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn will be anxiously waiting for a phone call to confirm if they are selected.
Fine Gael strategists may opt to review the proposed three-candidate strategy in Clare in light of Deputy Killeen’s departure from the scene.
Outgoing Fianna Fáil deputy, Timmy Dooley now becomes the most experienced politician on the Clare ticket and political pundits will view the departure of the minister as an unexpected boost for his re-election prospects, which had dipped following the entry of another East Clare candidate – Scariff farmer and barrister, Michael McNamara.
Explaining how he arrived at his decision to wind up his political career, Mr Killeen, who was first elected as a TD in 1992, said he was deeply grateful to Taoiseach Brian Cowen for his backing, particularly during his illness and cancer treatment.
He said he had his heart set on contesting the election and only in the last few weeks was he forced to reappraise his position and get used to the idea that he was no longer in a position to run.
He dismissed the notion that his decision was influenced by the decision of other high profile ministers, including Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, not to contest the election.
“I have always tried to deal with people fairly and honestly and have accorded respect to political friend and foe alike. I sincerely thank the people of County Clare for their support during my 26 years as their public representative, as a county councillor since 1985 and as a TD since 1992.
“It has been a great honour to represent the people of Clare in Dáil Éireann and a privilege to serve as minister.
“I am deeply grateful to my family, relatives, friends and the many dedicated members of the Fianna Fáil Party in Clare who canvassed for me over the years. Their support and guidance has enabled me to carry out my duties to the best of my ability”, Minister Killeen concluded.
Mr Killeen, who will be 59 in June, was born in Corofin and he and his wife, Lily have five sons.
A former national schoolteacher, he was a member of Clare County Council from 1985 to 1997, during which time he served both as vice-chair and chair, before being first elected to the Dáil.
Prior to his appointment as Minister of Defence last March, Minister Killeen was Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry) since May 2008.
Since 2004, he has also served in Minister of State portfolios at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Labour Affairs).