Joe Carey's sister Leonora to make bid to retain brother's seat in Clare
Gordon Deegan
Leonora Carey has confirmed that she will be seeking a nomination at the Clare Fine Gael convention to run as a candidate in the next general election in the four-seat constituency.
Ms Carey is a sister of Joe Carey TD who confirmed this morning that he will not be standing for Fine Gael in the next general election due to health reasons.
In a statement today, Mr Carey, who has been on sick leave since March of last year, confirmed he will not be a candidate in the next general election.
Stating that his decision was based on medical advice, Mr Carey informed Clare Fine Gael party members that he had to put himself, his wife and family first and retire from a job that he loved.
Mr Carey said: “In the past year, I suffered a life-altering medical situation that I will be dealing with for the rest of my time on earth. While I would dearly wish to continue, my decision to step away is based on medical advice.
He said: “I have had the absolute privilege to serve for the past 25 years as a public representative, eight as a County Councillor and 17 as a TD. I want to express my sincere thanks to my constituents who elected me to represent them on Clare County Council and in Dáil Éireann on six separate occasions.”
In his letter to party members, Mr Carey said he wanted to express his gratitude to them for campaigning with him throughout his political career.
“It is hard to believe but 25 years have passed since I was first elected to Clare County Council. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to be elected as a Fine Gael TD for County Clare at four successive General Elections."
He said: “My electoral success would not have been possible without your unwavering support. I also want to sincerely thank the extraordinary people who have worked with me in my office over the years, especially Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Paul Bugler and Ger O’Halloran and, more recently, John Stanton and Lorraine O’Meara.
“A big thank you to my election team headed by my Director of Elections, Martin Lynch, and to everybody who canvassed, leaflet dropped, helped in the office, and with postering.”
He also expressed his appreciation to Clare Fine Gael members, local councillors past and present and the general public for their patience and understanding throughout his illness. He paid special tribute to his sister Leonora and brother Donal, the extended Carey family and his wide circle of friends.
“The Fine Gael parliamentary party have been really supportive as have Oireachtas members from all political parties and none. I have been blown away by the messages, cards, texts, mass bouquets and get-well wishes.
A Clarecastle woman, Leonora Carey - who has served as chair of the party’s National Executive Council - is hoping to retain the seat held by her brother, Joe, since 2007.
Her father, Donal, served as Fine Gael TD for Clare from 1982 to 2002 and Minister of State from 1995 to 1997.
An experienced political strategist at regional and national level, she is currently employed as Occupational Therapist Manager with the University of Limerick Hospitals Group having previously worked with Milford Care Centre.
“Although I have held positions at officer level in Clare and Dublin Central for almost 30 years, I am fully aware that there is no greater honour than working on behalf of your neighbours, friends and community as a public representative,” she said.
“The issues facing people in Clare and the Mid-West require a new approach to how politicians can make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. Over the coming weeks, I will be engaging with party members to give me the opportunity to make that difference."
“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected as a Fine Gael candidate and win election to the Dáil, I will work full time to deliver a better future for the people of Clare,” Ms Carey added.
The Fine Gael selection convention will be held in The West County Hotel, Ennis on Friday night, September 6th.
