McCormack hails impact of party's Offaly think-in
Tullamore was at the centre of national political discourse this week as Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Government Ministers and Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators gathered in Offaly for the party’s annual parliamentary think-in.
The party's Offaly TD, Tony McCormack, said he took the opportunity not only to welcome his parliamentary colleagues to his home county, but also to showcase some of what Offaly has to offer and to highlight issues and opportunities across the county.
Ahead of the formal think-in at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Deputy McCormack brought colleagues to Tullamore D.E.W. and later to Shane Lowry’s Old Warehouse for dinner on Sunday evening.
Image 1 of 2
Deputy Tony McCormack speaking at his party’s think in alongside current Taoiseach Micheál Martin and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Photo: Damien Eagers.Image 2 of 2
The Tullamore D.E.W. distillery was one of the stops for visitors attending the Fianna Fáil party’s annual think-in.They also made a brief stop at Christy Cowen’s pub in Clara, where the Taoiseach and parliamentary party members had a chance to meet local Fianna Fáil members.
"It was a real privilege to welcome the Taoiseach, Ministers and my parliamentary colleagues to Offaly and to have the national focus on our county for a couple of days," Deputy McCormack said.
"I wanted them to see some of what makes Offaly special, but I also wanted to use the opportunity to highlight the issues we need progressed and the opportunities that exist here.
"We have an enormous amount to offer. We are centrally located, we have great communities, excellent businesses and a skilled workforce, and I want to see Offaly competing strongly for investment, jobs and infrastructure over the coming years."
The two-day think-in saw the parliamentary party discuss its priorities for the new political term, with the upcoming budget, cost of living, housing, infrastructure, childcare and support for businesses among the major issues on the agenda.
Deputy McCormack said those discussions must ultimately translate into improvements that people can see in their everyday lives.
"The budget is obviously a major focus, and we have to continue helping families with the cost of living while supporting our small businesses and investing in housing and infrastructure.
"But having the Think-In here was also an opportunity to make sure Offaly’s voice was heard. When you have the Taoiseach and so many members of Government together in your county, you make the most of it.
"I was very proud of the welcome everyone received. For these few days Offaly was at the centre of national politics, and I think we showed exactly why we have so much to be proud of and so much potential for the future."