Enright may return to political life in future

The father of Olwyn Enright, who celebrated her departure from politics with a function in her hometown of Birr last Friday, told the Offaly Independent this week his daughter hasn't written herself out of politics for good. Speaking this week Tom Enright said that while his daughter had taken the decision to leave politics, she "hopes to resume her political career later in life". Ms Enright, who is married to Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh and has two children, stepped out of the political ring last year after deciding she would not be in a position to give the commitment being an elected representative needs. A function to celebrate her time in politics was held in Dooly's Hotel in Birr last Friday. The event was well attended, with guests including Health Minister James Reilly and Presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell along with many more. Former TD and Senator Mr Enright added that there was "a certain amount of nostalgia" surrounding his daughter not being in the Dáil. His daughter carried on the family's political activity by being elected in 2002, the year he himself retired. However, Mr Enright said he's "perfectly happy" with the decision his daughter has made. "Her reasons were good and proper," he said. "To do a job as a TD is a demanding seven day a week job and could be in excess of twelve hours any day. Olwyn's decision was that she wasn't going to do it unless she was fully able to devote herself to it. She wasn't going to half do the job." Mr Enright went on to say his daughter's decision was to devote herself to her family in her husband's constituency in Donegal. "It would have been impossible for her to look after Laois/Offaly from Donegal North East," he said. Mr Enright said Olwyn "fully enjoyed" her period as TD, and was hugely thankful for the support she received throughout.