Independent councillor Austin Berry has assured his fellow councillors that he will not be reversing his decision, and that he is definitely bowing out of local politics for good come June.
Addressing Monday’s town council meeting, Cllr Berry said the decision to retire after 10 years as a councillor had been made purely on the grounds of his age.
“I won’t be changing my mind. I am leaving for one reason. I am in my 79th year, and five years from now I cannot say what I would be able to contribute. If I could not give 100 per cent, I would prefer to stand down,” he said.
“I will miss the council. I have enjoyed being here and working for the people. I would like to thank everyone for their great kindness to me, particularly the executive and the town clerk.”
Mayor Egbert Moran led tributes to the councillor, who will not be contesting this year’s election in June.
“He can be very proud of his contribution over the last 10 years. I am sorry to see him leave; he has given a huge contribution to Athlone and I wish him well,” said Cllr Moran.
While acknowledging there will be an official opportunity to pay tribute to Cllr Berry at a later date, all in the chamber were keen to praise his contributions over his 10 years representing the people of Athlone.
Cllr Kieran Molloy described him as “a very active and decent councillor”, while Cllr Mick O’Connell said it had been a privilege to sit alongside Cllr Berry and take guidance from him.
While acknowledging that they did not always see eye to eye, Cllr Paul Hogan said that he and Cllr Berry had “always worked together to make the town a better place”.
Meanwhile town clerk John Walsh said Cllr Berry’s distinguishing feature was the courtesy he had always afforded to the council executive and staff, particularly during his time as mayor. “He was an example of how mayors should operate. We will be sad to see him depart,” said Mr Walsh.
