Foley not to contest local election

Independent councillor John Foley has confirmed he will not contest the forthcoming local elections.

In a statement this afternoon, Foley said after 25 years in public life he felt it was the perfect opportunity to call time on his political career and pass the baton on to someone else.

“I entered politics because I wanted to serve my community and I am proud of what I have achieved. I have always endeavoured to work to the best of my ability for the people I represented.

“I have enjoyed each and every year of my political career, a career that has thrown up some highs and also some lows but on the whole there have been more good days than bad.” he said.

He said his greatest disappointment was undoubtedly the General Election result of 2007 in which he came close to securing a Dáil seat as a Fianna Fáil candidate However, he said looking back it could also be seen as a huge achievement, particularly as he had only fallen short by 311 votes.

“Since then I have had many good days most recently being elected on the first count in the 2019 local elections.”

Those kind of achievements don’t occur by accident but rather come about through hard work and that is something I could not have achieved alone,” he said, thanking his staff, his very loyal supporters, those who canvassed and worked closely with him, and those who voted for him election after election.

“25 years is a long time and sadly in that time some of those who supported me over the years are no longer with us and they are in my thoughts and prayers,” he added.

He also thanked his fellow councillors over the years, and his family, Marie and Orla.

“They have stood behind me and worked tirelessly with me and for me in everything and without their support I could not have achieved any of what I have in the past 25 years. It is safe to say Orla can’t remember a time when I haven’t been involved in politics but now that is about to change and I will have a lot more time to support Marie and Orla and also now my beautiful granddaughter Molly.”