Minister praises Clare Labour

MINISTER Joan Burton saluted the contribution made by Clare people to the Labour party since the party was founded 100 years ago.

The minister, also Labour Party deputy leader, officially opened the Clare leg of the Labour Party Centenary exhibition in Deputy Michael McNamara’s office in Shannon.

The exhibition traces the history of the party since its foundation. Present at the opening was Joan Hogan, daughter in law of former Clare Labour TD and Ceann Comhairle, Paddy Hogan.

Later she addressed the Clare Labour Party in Ennis and expressed appreciation for the county’s input, singling out Hogan’s 43 years of service.

Also noted were Pat and Mary Upton, who hailed from Doonbeg and who were both TDs for the Dublin South Central Constituency. She said that both had brought a high degree of scientific expertise to the party and also a strong rural perspective.

She also paid tribute to Liscannor man Frank Buckley who was leader of the Labour members on Dublin City Council in the early 90s, when she was a councillor herself.

The minister added she was pleased that the county once again has a Labour TD and said that Michael McNamara is a hard working TD who has made well researched Dáil contributions on many subjects.