Decision not to contest election a tough one

DEAR editor,

I [former Killarney town councillor Tom Doherty] wish to announce my intention not to contest the local elections due to be held in May of next year.

It is a decision that I have not taken lightly. As a community activist and disability rights campaigner, the natural progression is to step into the political arena.

35 years have passed since my serious spinal injury as a teenager. With the passing of time and the complications of my injuries, daily tasks and routines are physically now more challenging.

Knocking on as many doors as possible, meeting and greeting the constituents is a requisite to seeking election to office. Unfortunately I would struggle to fully commit to the rigors and physical demands of an active canvas for a seat in the Killarney local electoral area.

I look back with a sense of pride and accomplishment of my time as an elected public representative. I have enormous respect for the many volunteers that I have met and the wonderful work that they do.

During previous terms as an elected public representative, l was afforded the great honor to serve as Mayor.

During this period l had the casting vote to ensure the construction of the Killarney sport and leisure centre. In the council chambers l consistently highlighted the importance of the need for Ireland to ratify the United Nations convention on the rights of people with disabilities and also the full recognition of Irish sign language for the deaf community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those at a national and local level for their support in my political career. To my various elections teams and canvassers since my first successful election in 1994, I am eternally grateful for your commitment and friendship.

It is my intention to remain an active member of the Fianna Fáil party. I am encouraged by the recent return of the party to its core republican principles of social justice, inclusivity and the creation of a fairer and more caring society.

I wish all the candidates aspiring to greater things for our communities the very best in to the future. Sincerely,

Tom Doherty,

Killarney.