Council welcomes Thomas as he takes first step in new role
31-YEAR-OLD Thomas Forde was welcomed to Wexford Co. Council for his first official engagement as
Sinn Féin’s new county councillor, replacing the recently retired Anthony Kelly.
After Cathaoirleach John Hegarty’s introduction, the new Sinn Féin councillor reminded his colleague that he had been a student of his in the CBS to which Cllr Hegarty joked that that was more in his favour than Cllr Forde’s!
The father-of-three thanked the council for the warm welcome, remarking that he was proud socialist and Republican. He paid tribue to his predecessor Anthony Kelly, saying he had worked hard for Wexford town and he looked forward to doing the same. He explained that he had worked as an electrician for six years before returning to college to pursue a degree in History and Politics. From there, he completed teacher training and now works in Wexford Educate Together National School.
He had, he said, been a member of Sinn Féin for the past 12 years and through this involvement had seen the rampant inequality that existed in society.
‘I want to work for the marginalised in society and respond to their needs. I respect all viewpoints and ideologies and, in that spirit, I look forward to working with you all.’
Cllr Ger Carthy wished him well saying that he had known the councillor’s late father Daithí and he would be very proud of his son. He also pointed out that Cllr Forde was taking over from him as the youngest councillor in the Wexford district.
Cllr Tony Dempsey was delighted to see a young person coming in to take part in the democratic process, remarking that it was encouraging for their visitors, a group of students from Enniscorthy Vocational College who had achieved A marks in their politics exams.
Cllr George Lawlor said he had no doubt that there would be lively discussions ahead, adding that Cllr Forde was a fellow member of MarineWatch.
Gorey councillor Mary Farrell remarked that the councillor had large shoes to fill and wished him the best of luck. Cllr Tony Walsh, in welcoming Cllr Forde, said he was glad that he was no longer the newest member in the chamber.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said he thought that all of Cllr Forde’s speech would be in Irish, remarking that it was a sad reflection on the teacher that it wasn’t! He added that, in the chamber, there was a difference of politics and opinions and that was what made the process an enjoyable one.
Council CEO Tom Enright expressed his own good wishes to the new councillor, offering the council’s assistance if it was needed. He also wished Anthony Kelly every good wish and good health, thanking him for his 18 years of dedication.
Cllr Hegarty added his own best wishes to the councillor, remarking that he had received the official welcomes, and one unofficial one from Cllr Larry O’Brien who had interrupted the new councillor’s speech. He added that his former student was ‘well capable’ in his new role.