Local Independent Deputy, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, will assume the role of Minister of State at the Office of Public Works on June 1.
News circulated earlier this week that there would be a delay in Deputy Moran’s appointment. However, the Longford-Westmeath TD has confirmed that such beliefs are misplaced.
One year ago it was decided that Deputy Moran would share a Ministry with Galway-East Deputy, Sean Canney. The pair famously flipped a coin to see who would assume the role first, with Deputy Canney getting the honour. However, Deputy Moran will assume the role from June for the remainder of the current Government’s period in office.
“When myself and Sean Canney flipped a coin we always said we would settle on a date around Easter for the changeover,” Deputy Moran said this week. “The changeover will take place on Thursday, June 1, and there has never been any issue with this schedule.
“I am really looking forward to it. It is a huge challenge, but I am very grateful that the people of Longford-Westmeath put their faith in me. When I got elected did I think I would be a Minister? No. But here I am. I am working very hard and I hope the work I do moving forward will lead to better things for the constituency.
“Is it going to change me? No, you will never change who I am. But I am nervous as well. I came from local politics to national politics in the space of 12 months. There is a learning curve, but I am learning very fast.”
Deputy Moran added that he believes Athlone and Longford-Westmeath are now in a stronger position than they have been in years.
“Very little has happened in the town during the last five years,” he said. “I am not blaming anyone because times were hard, but now that Athlone has a Senator in Gabrielle McFadden and a Minister in myself, and Westmeath has Deputies Robert Troy and Peter Burke, things are starting to get done.
“We all work closely together. Yes, we have our differences, but we meet regularly in Dublin and still put the best foot forward for the constituency at large.”
