Tributes paid to retiring SF councillor

TRIBUTES were paid at Monday’s meeting of Kerry County Council to former Sinn Féin Councillor Dianne Nolan who has announced she is retiring from politics in order to take up employment with the OPW in Kilkenny.

The tributes were led by Dianne’s former Sinn Féin colleagues who wished Diane the very best in her new career saying it was a great honour to have worked alongside her.

Cllr Toiréasa Ferris said Dianne’s political career extended back to the days when she was a member of Young Sinn Fein and also during her student days.

There was also cross-party tributes, including from Fine Gael’s Jim Finucane who said he respected Dianne as person and also her contribution to local politics.

Dianne was elected to the Listowel Municipal District on the 11th count in the 2014 local elections having previously served as an active party member for over two decades.

Earlier this week, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris thanked Dianne for her service to the party, both at Listowel Town Council and Kerry County Council level.

Deputy Ferris said he wished her the very best in her new career and in her future.

Dianne’s replacement will be announced at a party convention on Monday September 18 when members of Listowel Electoral Area vote on a successor.