Tributes paid to former colleague Deirdre Wadding
FORMER councillor Deirdre Wadding of the People Before Profit party who recently resigned from local politics, was the recipient of good wishes from her colleagues on Wexford District Council.
The Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Jim Moore paid tribute to Ms. Wadding for her work and said anyone who had the courage to put themselves forward for public office deserved acknowledgement. ‘As public representatives we are well aware of the challenges that are there,’ he said.
‘On my own behalf I would like to record my thanks to Cllr. Wadding for her service to the Wexford District.’
Cllr. David Hynes said that Ms. Wadding made a big impression from her first day on the Council. ‘You could never doubt her passion, sincerity and integrity.’
‘It highlights the fact that this is not a handy job for anyone and that actually it’s a difficult job and we are undervalued. I think she is going to be missed’, added Cllr. Hynes.
Cllr. Lisa McDonald who is now the only woman on the 10-person Wexford District Council said Deirdre will be greatly missed. ‘Since joining the Council I was struck by the sincerity and integrity with which she promoted her point of view.’
Cllr. McDonald said that as a woman, Cllr. Wadding was very sensitive to the needs of people in the housing area particularly and found that it was difficult to offer them help.
‘Two of the councillors who started out on the Borough District are gone - one by choice and one through something else. I think that should be kept in mind. Perhaps we should all be a bit nicer to each other’, said Cllr. McDonald in reference to the tragic death last year of fellow Fianna Fail councillor Fergie Kehoe.
Cllr. Frank Staples said a lot of councillors around the country are stepping down. ‘I presume it’s to do with stress. You have to shut it down and try not to bring it home with you’.
Cllr. Ger Carthy said Cllr. Wadding will be sadly missed in the chamber. ‘Anyone who went to her with an issue, she dealt with it to the best of her ability. I wish her well’.
Cllr. Tony Dempsey said he believed Cllr. Wadding always had the best interests of Wexford at her. ‘I congratulate her on her service to the Council and wish her well in the future’.