Bacik expresses sympathy at death of former Labour TD, former Lord Mayor and Councillor Michael Conaghan

Bacik expresses sympathy at death of former Labour TD, former Lord Mayor and Councillor Michael Conaghan - The Labour Party

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD has expressed her deepest sympathies to the family, friends and constituents of former Labour Party TD for Dublin South Central, Lord Mayor of Dublin and Councillor, Michael Conaghan, on his death this week.

Deputy Bacik said:

“On behalf of the Labour Party I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Michael’s wife Marian, their daughters Heidi and Eve, extended family, many friends, colleagues, former students and constituents on his death.

“While originally from Donegal, Michael had a long and distinguished record in public service, serving the people of Ballyfermot, Inchicore and surrounding communities as their local Councillor, and then going on to be elected as a TD for Dublin South Central in 2011 before stepping down in 2016.

“Michael came to join the Labour Party in 1990 through the merger with the Democratic Socialist Party then led by Jim Kemmy. Throughout his political career he was an ardent champion of real Labour values.

“First elected in 1991 as a Councillor to Dublin City Council, Michael topped the poll three times in 1991, 1999 and 2009 in the Ballyfermot ward over four separate local elections, going on to serve as a Councillor for twenty years. A pinnacle of that service was his election as Lord Mayor in 2004, later followed by his election to the Dáil in 2011.

“Michael worked tirelessly to promote lifelong education and learning, and his commitment to his local community stemmed from his work as a teacher and Vice-Principal at Inchicore College of Further Education.

“He was also renowned and respected for his interest in local history and the industrial heritage of his community. As a member of the first Oireachtas all-party group on commemorations, one of his greatest political achievements was securing the preservation of Richmond Barracks as a cultural and educational hub for the people of the South-West Inner City and beyond, in the run up to the centenary of 1916.

“May he rest in peace.”

ENDS