It’s an emotional night for Tony who bids farewell
“IT was an emotional night for me,” says Tony McLoughlin TD , “but a hugely successful and wonderful night, there was a great buzz in the room.”
The Fine Gael Deputy received a standing ovation after he delivered a farewell speech to delegates at the party’s selection convention last Thursday night in the Clayton Hotel.
Following his announcement to retire from public life it was an opportunity for Deputy McLoughlin to thank the party faithful: “Delegates, as I stand here in front of you this evening, it is very hard to believe that I have been a member of the Fine Gael party for the past 56 years. I recall one of my earliest memories out canvassing in Dromahair, with my late uncle Joe McLoughlin during the 1961 by-election campaign. Who would have thought that over 50 years later I would still be standing in front of you in 2018 as an elected representative for our proud party?
“Throughout this period of time, I have been lucky enough to have always have had the strong support from you, the delegates of Fine Gael. And for this, I want to express to you all my deep gratitude.”
He reiterated that after 45 years in public office he had promised his family he would not seek re-election to Dáil Eireann at the next general election. Instead he said he was looking forward to spending time with his wonderful grandchildren.
It was a chance too for Deputy McLoughlin to outline some of his achievements while in Government: “We delivered the out-of-hours doctor service to the North West Region. I heavily lobbied Ministers for road improvements for the N4. And I was obviously delighted to finally hear earlier this month that €102million has now been allocated to this road in the new capital plan, together with €20m for the Eastern Bridge.”
He mentioned the 37 percent fall in unemployment for the region and the recent new jobs created for Sligo.
“I expect even more big announcements to follow over the coming weeks and months,” he added.
“As a humble backbencher, I will leave office safe in the knowledge that I am leaving a constituency that has improved massively from where it was post recession in 2011,” he said. With regard to his fracking Bill, Tony told delegates he was one of the first backbench TDs in decades to successfully introduce an act of legislation.
As for the outcome of the convention Deputy McLoughlin said: “We will win two seats at the next election, we have it right from a geographical and gender perspective. The constituency will be in safe hands. I’m absolutely delighted with the two candidates.”