FG leaders acknowledge McDermott contribution

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD, and former taoiseach John Bruton have expressed their gratitude to Cllr Frank McDermott following the announcement of his retirement from Westmeath County Council.

Mr Varadkar said in a statement: “I want to acknowledge the huge contribution that Frank has made to his community, to public life and Fine Gael over his impressive 50 years in local government.

"I thank him, his wife Ann, who I know has been a huge support to him over that period, along with his family, and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

"I got to know Frank well both as a minister and party leader. He has a wonderful way about him full of patience, kindness and diligence. These are qualities we need more of in politics.”

John Bruton, former taoiseach and former FG part leader, stated: “I have learned that Frank McDermott of Fore will not contest the next local election and will thereby be retiring after a record 54 years of service to the people of Westmeath.

“The fact that Frank was re-elected so many times speaks for itself. People had confidence in him. They trusted him.

"Frank was my running mate in the 1981 general election, and helped John Farrelly and me to obtain an outstanding result for Fine Gael.

"I wish Frank well in what I know will be an active retirement.”