Michael O’Connor formally steps down from council

MICHAEL O’Connor has thanked his party colleagues, supporters and the staff of Wicklow County Council as he formally retired as a councillor. He announced in June that he had decided to retire from his seat on Wicklow County Council. The local Sinn Féin cumann selected Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien to take his position. Mr O’Brien will take the seat at the September meeting of Bray Municipal District.

‘It was not an easy decision to leave the council, but it was necessary in the circumstances. I have a full time job as a solicitor. The work I had to carry out as a councillor was almost full time also, so clearly something had to give. It was no longer tenable to try to do both jobs. I also have a number of personal issues which were limiting the amount of time I could give to my constituents,’ said Mr O’Connor.

The former councillor said that he remains a proud member of Sinn Féin and he will continue my work with the party, albeit in a less public way.

‘I have every faith in Daisy, who will replace me on the council. Daisy is a long-standing republican, socialist, youth and community worker and will represent the interests of the people of Wicklow very well on the council,’ said Mr O’Connor.

‘I would like to thank Wicklow Sinn Féin for all their support during my time as a councillor. I would very specifically like to thank John Brady TD for his support. And very importantly, I would like to thank our council leader Cllr Nicola Lawless and Cllr Mary McDonald. Both are doing a great job in representing the people of Wicklow and they have my full support.’

Michael concluded by saying ‘I would also like to thank everyone who works for Wicklow County Council for their professionalism and kindness to me. I would finally like to thank most of my fellow councillors on Wicklow County Council.’