Olwyn opts out
FINE Gael's aspirations of securing three seats in the Laois/Offaly constituency during the next General Election suffered a devastating blow with the announcement on Monday that Olwyn Enright won't be seeking re-election.
An emotional Olwyn, who is six months pregnant and mother to ten month old Darragh, said while the decision was a most difficult one, she had to be 'practical' about the situation.
"Being a TD is a 24/7 job, it's not just a 9 to 5. I'll have two toddlers and I want to be able to look after them," she explained.
Married to Donegal North East Deputy Joe McHugh since 2005, it's now thought the family will settle in Donegal.
The constituency's first and only female TD secured election to Dil Eireann in 2002 as she followed in the footsteps of her father Tom who held the seat from 1969 to '92 (he relinquished it to Labour's Pat Gallagher - the current Offaly County Manager) and reclaimed it in '97.
Olwyn's '02 general election success ensured a continuation of the Enright political dynasty,however following her decision not to contest what would have been her third general election it marks the end of an era and leaves FG with a serious candidate selection headache.
Spanning five decades, the Enright name has been synonymous with Fine Gael and while Deputy Enright will continue to serve until the election is called, speculation is already underway regarding the identity of a possible successor.
Former PD Junior Minister Tom Parlon hasn't ruled him-self out and other Offalians who may fancy their chances of inclusion on a FG election ticket alongside Deputy Charles Flanagan include Cllr Molly Buckley, Millennium Man and Birr Town Councillor Brian Whelahan, Cllr Liam Quinn, Olwyn's hurling cousins Gary and Rory Hanniffy, and Edenderry's Cllr Nichola Hogan.
Birr-based Deputy Enright told the Offaly Express her decision had been a difficult one.
"I have been thinking about it for a good few months, since Darragh was born. We don't have traditional maternity leave and I was back to work very quickly. I brought Darragh to Dublin a lot, but my husband is a TD in a different constituency and he would go one way on a Thursday evening and I would go the other. That's not sustainable with two children."
Deputy Enright revealed she made her announcement now to provide the local Fine Gael organisation with sufficient time to select a team of candidates to retain the seat for the party.
"It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the people of both Laois and Offaly for almost the last decade. I deeply appreciate the trust they placed in me. It is a role I have cherished and endeavoured to work very hard in," Deputy Enright said.
However she was quick to reassure constituents that until the next election, she will continue in her role full time and as committed as ever. “People need a TD in these difficult times and I want people to be sure I will be available to them,” she said.
Deputy Enright said she has always had a strong commitment as a legislator and as a national politician, serving as Spokesperson on Education & Science, and Social & Family Affairs, as well as working on the issue of child protection.
She first served as a councillor for the Birr electoral area from 1999, before being elected as a TD for Laois and Offaly firstly in 2002 and again in 2007.
She said she was aware her decision came at a time when there was many opportunities for Fine Gael.
Despite her coming forward in support of Richard Bruton’s failed attempt at taking over as leader of the part from Enda Kenny earlier this year, she said she was certain the party would go from strength to strength.
“I would like to wish Enda Kenny the very best in winning the next general election. Both he and my constituents can be assured of my continued dedication to my role as a Fine Gael TD, and my service to the people of Laois/Offaly until the next election,” said Deputy Enright.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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