This article is from page 18 of the 2009-02-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
TRIBUTES were paid _ through- out the Fine Gael Party to outgoing councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn just minutes after she announced her intention not to contest the 2009 lo- cal elections.
Amongst the first to pay tribute was the chairperson of the Fine Gael branch in Clare, Dick Pilk- ington.
‘Madeleine has been a true Fine Gael person. We have had many disagreements on policies and on
different things we agreed to differ,” he said.
He commended her for travelling from Donegal to Clare to ensure that Fine Gael secured a European seat for Jim Higgins in 2005.
“You have shown what a mayor should be. You have dignity and abil- ity and you are going to be a hard act to follow,” he said.
Joe Arkins, who chaired Friday night’s convention, congratulated her on her long involvement in poli- wee
“IT am particularly proud of you as
mayor of Clare and as someone I can look up to as mayor of Clare,” he said.
Cllr Taylor Quinn was the first Fine Gael member to be elected mayor of Clare, when she took office last June.
As she prepares to leave local poli- tics from the highest office possible, she has vowed to remain a member of Fine Gael and involved in polli- wee
Clare TD Joe Carey praised her for flying the Fine Gael flag in county Clare, “through thick and thin.”
“Madeleine Taylor Quinn always put the Fine Gael Party first. I have no doubt that your time in politics is not finished,” he said.
Fellow TD Pat Breen also added his regards.
“I was elected to Clare County Council with you in 1999, and while we had our political differences from time to time, we worked for the party very well together while I was on the council.
“I wish you well in your short little holiday. Do hope you have an extend- ed break if you can at all in it, and I
know that you will be there with us all in the local elections, lending a hand,” he said.
Cllr Oliver Garry, who will con- tinue to contest the election in the Kilrush area said, “I have yet to meet anybody that has not praised her on the job of mayor, from all sides of politics.
“She is probably the best mayor to have ever represented this council and I wish you well for the next five months.”
He thanked her for her support dur- ing his first term in the council.