'I've huge shoes to fill' wife taking place of retiring Laois councillor
The wife of a Laois councillor retiring early on health grounds, says she has big shoes to fill and is ready for the challenge.
Marie Tuohy is taking the place of her husband Noel as an elected member of the Portlaoise Municipal District.
She agreed to be co-opted by the Labour party to retain what is the only party's councillor seat in Laois.
The new Cllr Tuohy will not formally begin her role until the February 27 meeting of Laois County Council, but last Monday she and their family gathered in the chamber for the final goodbye to Noel by his colleagues and council staff.
Noel Touhy received a gift presented by colleagues, and many warm wishes for his health and happiness in the years ahead. He is shortly returning to London for more treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.
Marie told the Leinster Express / Laois that she shares Noel's values and understands the role having supported him since his election in 2014.
"Noel has been a councillor for eight and a half years so I am conscious of the work and I know what his aims are. I will continue those aims as I hold the same values and interests.
"I have always been community involved. In 1994 we founded the Members of Victims Support group and kept it going for ten years.
"Noel lobbied to have a Pieta House service in Laois. That did not happen but through him and others SOSAD set up a free mental health centre in Laois. He was also on the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee," Marie said.
Originally an O'Gorman from Clonaslee, Marie worked for many years in Portlaoise Leisure Centre.
She said she will work on her own added interests in time, including pushing for the new building needed for Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise.
Her intention is to win enough Portlaoise votes and retain the seat at the next local election in 2024.
"Housing is also a massive issue. I want to find my feet first. I hold the same beliefs about helping people with disabilities, people who are vulnerable. Noel is a very people focused person. We all know that work of the council has to be done, but it should be about putting people first," Marie said.
"I am very proud to have been considered. I thank the Labour party for selecting me. I am proud of the work Noel has done, I have huge shoes to fill but I will give it my all," Marie Tuohy said.