McCarthy not standing in election

While Mayor of Shannon Tony Mulcahy is set to run, Patricia McCarthy has ruled herself out of the upcoming general election.

The independent county councillor had been linked with the Labour Party prior to the selection of Michael McNamara.
However, she said she didn’t want to run for Labour, won’t go forward as an independent and there is a need for political renewal around the country.
Councillor McCarthy stood for Labour in the late 1970s and early ’80s but said that she will concentrate on her roles with Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council.
“It doesn’t appeal to me and I feel there is an important role for local politics and for the past 30 years I’ve tried to fill that role as well as possible.
“In the circumstances in which we find ourselves we need to find new blood and to be looking to long-serving people is a disservice to highly educated and qualified people who are interested in standing.”
While she said she won’t be rejoining Labour, she is very positive about Michael McNamara’s candidacy. “I think he is exactly what is needed now and I will certainly be canvassing for him.”
She also feels that Tony Killeen will be a loss to Clare.
“I sincerely regret that he is not standing. He has been an honest and hardworking politician but he has health problems and it’s only until you have problems with your own health that you realise how important it is.”
Whatever Government is returned after the election will be facing a difficult term, she added.
“It’s a difficult climate and it will be tough for the new Government because they’ll be limited in what they can do by the terms of the bailout.
“It is time for a reform of the political system and if new, young people come in, there is a better chance of reform.”