Limerick political exodus continues as another big hitter steps away

THE POLITICAL exodus from Limerick City and County Council continues with another prominent councillor calling it a day.

Cllr John Egan, Murroe, informed Fine Gael headquarters just before the bank holiday weekend that he would not be contesting the local election in June. He follows in the footsteps of party colleague Mayor Gerald Mitchell, and councillors James Collins, Emmett O’Brien and Kevin Sheahan. Between them all it is not far short of 100 years of council experience.

Cllr Egan was first elected in the old Castleconnell local electoral area in 2009. He narrowly lost out in the new Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district in 2014 before winning a seat back in 2019. In 2018, he spoke publicly about his recovery from cancer of the oesophagus.

The Murroe man, aged in his 70s, said he made the decision to bow out in the best interests of himself and his family.

Cllr Emmett O’Brien revealed in last week’s Leader he was the victim of “intense bullying” during his decade on the local authority.

Cllr Egan said modern councillors are under extreme pressure from social media such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.

“I came off of Facebook because I found some of the remarks that used to come on it quite insulting. I just got off it and no more about it. I don’t think any person in public life has to put up with that kind of behaviour,” said Cllr Egan, who adds that he wouldn’t stand for bullying.

“I wouldn’t take it from anybody and why should I? Any person who puts their name on a ballot paper to be elected to the council or the Dail is doing a service to the State and they need to be respected by the people. We all should appreciate that we have democratically elected councillors and TDs. We saw the behaviour of the thugs in Dublin in November - if that gets out of hand you are in for anarchy. Democracy is key,” he said.

Cllr Egan is saddened to see the likes of Mayor Mitchell and councillors James Collins, Emmett O’Brien and Kevin Sheahan not running again.

“The job is extremely demanding. I am disappointed there aren’t more business people or farmers going for the council but I can easily understand why.

“There is a lot of talk about young people not going into politics but they can't afford it because it is too insecure. They have big commitments,” said Cllr Egan.

It is not known if Fine Gael will now add a fourth candidate in Cappamore-Kilmallock to join Greg Conway, Tommy O'Sullivan and Noreen Stokes, who are already on the ticket.

As Cllr Egan reflects on his time in the council, he said he was proud to be involved in the delivery of Beary's Cross roundabout and bus shelters in Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Bruff, Hospital, Pallasgreen, Dromkeen and soon in Caherconlish, as well as planned for Murroe, Doon and Cappamore in the future.

He also highlights new footpaths in Caherconlish, Pallasgreen, Doon, Cappamore, Bruff and Hospital.

Cllr Egan looks forward to the building of homes for retired people starting on the old creamery site in Cappamore in May. He regrets that the €5m national fire training centre for Kilmallock hasn't come to pass.

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“A lot has been achieved but there is a lot more to be achieved by other county councillors after the local election,” said Cllr Egan.

He has been involved in public life since the age of 18 with Macra. His roles included in the ICMSA, community council, National Dairy Council, Golden Vale, Kerry Co-op and the council.

As he retires from political life, Cllr Egan wished to thank his family, supporters, everybody who voted for him and all the council staff with a special mention for the road maintenance crews.

He says he will still be involved in community life and will help out anyone he can in a private capacity. As Cllr Egan bows out of local politics he said his motto in the council was “to find solutions, not problems”.