This article is from page 25 of the 2011-01-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 25 JPG
HE DIDN’T want to go. He was never as sure of a seat entering an election having seen poll after poll declaring him a shoe in. He was at the peak of his political career and was preparing for the fight.
But medical advice and “appraisals” of his health meant Minister for Defence Tony Killeen was forced to bow out of contesting the General Election on Wednesday last.
The Corofin man does not hide his disappointment at having to retire from politics, and said the decision was so sudden and so against what he wanted to do in his heart that he has no plans for after the votes are counted.
“It is a question that has completely stumped me. I had a lot of work done and a huge election team lined up,” he told The Clare People .
He will not be returning to teaching, having retired from the profession, and will spend some time rest- ing before he makes up his mind.
Having battled with cancer for the last number of years, Minister Killeen’s decision was made he said on health grounds.
“The medical stuff was not encouraging and family were adamant when they told me to cop on,” he said.
Prior to Christmas he had begun work on the election determined to be a candidate but having agreed that an election would be difficult given his health, he said he feared that if he stayed in the race he would have to pull out at the last minute and scupper a new candidate.
Despite being disappointed that he is now out of one the most hotly contested general elections in Clare in years, he has promised to immerse himself in campaigning for other Fianna Fáil candidates.
And despite all the national opinion polls, the out-going Minister for Defence is confident that Fianna Fáil in Clare can still win two seats in the Banner County, against most odds.