Warm welcome for Laois's newest Councillor

Laois’s newest Councillor Paddy Buggy was warmly welcomed to Laois County Council at the December monthly meeting. 

Cllr Buggy, who ran in the local elections earlier this year, was selected by Fine Gael for co-option into the seat vacated by Willie Aird, who has been elected to the Dáil.

As his family watched on from the public gallery, Cllr Buggy was proposed by Cllr Barry Walsh and seconded by Cllr John King. 

“Paddy Buggy is no stranger to Laois County Council, he served here on different committees,” explained Cllr King. 

He said the council was very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Cllr Buggy, who  has worked tirelessly for Mountmellick over the years. 

“Life is strange in many ways but if you are plugging away there when you stay trying, your luck will come,” he said.   

Cllr King said it was a very special and proud day for Cllr Buggy and his wife  Zita and family. 

Cllr Buggy thanked Willie Aird for getting elected and moving on and he said he was looking forward to working in the council. “It is 20 years since I first put my name forward,” he revealed. 

“I am not Willie Aird. I have my own style,” said Cllr Buggy, who expressed his hope that he could achieve as much as Cllr Aird had. 

He thanked his family who he said had “put up with me losing elections over 20 years.” 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, welcomed Cllr Buggy who she described as “a great community man” said she looked forward to working with him. She also welcomed Zita, whose family she said, would always had supported her. 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken said “I wish you nothing only the best of luck” and he looked forward to working with Cllr Buggy on the council. 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald said he too looked forward to working with Cllr Buggy. 

Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin said Cllr Buggy brings a wealth of experience into the chamber, particularly in farming and community. 

He said nobody would replace Willie but Paddy will be an active and busy councillor. 

Labour Cllr Marie Tuohy extended her congratulations to Cllr Buggy. 

“I think you have earned it with your work over the years,” she said. 

“I think the Municipal District and Council is very lucky to have you,” she added. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran also welcomed Cllr Buggy. She described him as “a great community man” who she said “will do wonders in that role.” 

Independent Cllr James Kelly described the co-option as well deserved. “It is about community and I think that is what you are about,” he said.  

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal McEvoy said he has known Cllr Buggy for many years and he knows they will work well together. He said he deserved the council seat.  

“You are going to be a massive asset to Laois County Council,” said Cllr McEvoy.

Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley “I just want to congratulate you and wish you the best of luck.”

She recalled being cooped into a Portlaoise Town Council seat and believing she would return to  hairdressing afterwards.

“You won’t have to walk in anybody’s shadow, you will fill that role your own way,” said Cllr Dwane Stanley. 

Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh expressed delight at the co-option and said he knows Cllr Buggy will be a great worker. 

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan also congratulated Cllr Buggy and nobody deserved it more. “I firmly believe good things happen to good people,” she said. 

Chief Executive of Laois County Council Michael Rainey congratulated Cllr Buggy and said they will work well together. He said the council would work with him through the transition period and he extended congratulations to the three TDs who were elected for Laois.