Retiring TDs have their say on Enda v Leo; the ineffectiveness of the 32nd Dáil and their emotions on leaving Leinster House
FRUSTRATING IS THE word many of the retiring TDs who have decided not to contest the next election are using when asked to describe their time in the 32nd Dáil.
The Clare doctor ran a rural practice in the county for 32 years. His decision to enter politics in 2016 was sparked by his involvement in grassroots campaign: No Doctor No Village. Harty said if you had a good idea, he expected to get a good hearing: “I didn’t get that. That had me taken aback.“That changed when Leo took over,” said Harty, who said he only met with the Taoiseach once over a two-year period, despite attempts to secure a meeting with him on a health brief.
Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who has been a TD for nine years, is emotional to end his representation of Louth but doesn’t have the same feelings about leaving Leinster House. When asked if he will play a role in Sinn Féin, he said: “Yes, of course, as long as my health allows me, and as long as the party wants me… I think a life of activism is a life well spent.
Arguably had Albert not been there, had not been in the spring of his term we wouldn’t have had the big breakthrough. “I have very fond memories of Albert and I don’t think he gets enough credit.” While he came to prominence by ensuring the air space was cleared for Santa Claus in 2016, he was appointed the junior minister for health, something he refers to as a high point of his political career.
Looking across to the other benches, Daly said Clare Daly, who is now an MEP in Brussels, is someone he admires. McGrath said he has been in politics for 21 years, moving from being a local councillor to a minister of State.“I’m glad I am going on my own terms. I have spoken to some politicians who never got that opportunity and they have never gotten over it, so this is a much better feeling,” he said.
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