'Exemplary' - Taoiseach's glowing tribute to retiring Laois councillor

The Taoiseach and hÚachtaráin of Fianna Fáil has paid a glowing tribute to Cllr Padraig Fleming and his contribution to Laois and the community he served in and out of politics.

Cllr Fleming was present in the Midlands Park Hotel recently when Micheál Martin was the guest of honour at a gala Laois Fianna Fáil event to celebrate the centenary of the party's founding.

Just a few weeks later, Cllr Fleming announced last week that he would step away from electoral office in Laois.

Mr Martin paid tribute to the outgoing representative for the Graiguecullen Portarlington Municipal District in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“I want to pay tribute to Cllr Pádraig Fleming. He is a councillor of great distinction, and his commitment to his community and electorate has been exemplary. Since he was first elected to Laois County Council in 2009, Pádraig has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of his community and county.

"He has done so with an infectiously positive and warm can-do attitude. Pádraig is a warm, engaging and positive friend and colleague,” he said.

The Cork TD also praised Cllr Fleming's contribution to Fianna Fáil over decades before entering electoral politics in 2009. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Austin Clancy, Joey Kennedy, Cllr Padraig Fleming, Liz Anne Molloy, Ross Molloy and Mary Saunders at the Laois Fianna Fáil Centenary Gala Dinner in The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey

“Prior to his election, Pádraig was a long-standing and much respected officer of the Party in Laois and also a highly effective Director of Elections for both General and European elections.

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“While there are a number of weeks until his retirement, I want to acknowledge and thank Pádraig most sincerely for his loyal and commendable service both to his community and to Fianna Fáil.

"On behalf of myself and Fianna Fáil, I wish Pádraig, his wife Catherine and their three daughters much happiness and contentment in his retirement," he said.

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Cllr Fleming is due to step down at the March meeting of Laois County Council to be held in Portlaoise.