Cllr Michael Fitzgerald announces he won't contest Tipperary County Council election next year

Fine Gael councillor Michael Fitzgerald has announced he will retire from his role as a county councillor after more than four decades of service at the end of Tipperary County Council's current five-year term before the Local Elections next year. 

The councillor from Golden issued a statement tonight (Wednesday, November 8) stating that he will not seek a nomination to contest the 2024 Local Elections. 

"It has been a singular honour and privilege for me to serve the people of Tipperary as an elected councillor in the Tipperary Electoral Area and in the Cashel - Tipperary Municipal District since I was first elected in 1979," he said.

"I will never be able to express properly, the gratitude I owe to the many, many people who have supported me and trusted me in every Local Election I have contested.

"To my family, I know too well I could not have carried out my duties as a public representative without your encouragement and support at all times, and for so long.

"My mother Jane, my wife Mary, my son and daughters, and indeed my brothers and sisters and extended family have been my 'Kitchen Cabinet' since day one.

"I was so happy and proud that my late father lived to see me win back his old seat in 1979. He passed away suddenly in 1981."

Cllr Fitzgerald paid tribute to all the people who helped him at elections over the past 44 years. 

"I want to thank in a very special way, the many people who became part of my election team over the years and who stood shoulder to shoulder with me at all elections. I couldn't ask for better and more loyal people and I will thank them individually in the days ahead. I also remember and respect the many great people who started out with me all those years ago and are no longer with us. I will always cherish their support, kindness and decency."

Cllr Fitzgerald continued: "There are so many people who have placed their trust and confidence in me on many election polling days, and I always did my best to help when called on. I hope I have made some difference to people lives who contacted me.

"I also know there were good outcomes and not so good. Over the years, I have made many friends through my work as a councillor.

"I have served with, and learned from great people from all political parties and none. Many are no longer with us, but it was a privilege to be involved in shaping the future of our county with such great people, both members and staff.

"Finally, I will be forever grateful to all the people of my own parish of Golden and Kilfeacle, who have stood by me so strongly, for so long. Whenever I needed their support, it was there in spades," he added. 

To the CEO and all staff of the Council, present and past, indoor and out, it was a pleasure to work with so many great people, who always upheld the true values and integrity of this county. I wish every success to all the members of the present Council, and all who contest in 2024.