Celebration as Laois Fianna Fáil councillor hits longest election record

'Like a Rolls Royce, silent all the time and will go on forever' is how Laois Cllr Seamus McDonald has been rather enviously described by Fine Gael Cllr John King.

Cllr McDonald from Rosenallis, a representative on the Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District, was star of a special reception in Laois County Council chambers to celebrate his remarkable 40th year in service as a public representative.

The popular Fianna Fáil councillor was first elected in 1985, and has retained his seat at an incredible eight more local elections since, and he intends to keep on going.

Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey said Seamus' is a name “synonymous with public service”.

“You constantly get reelected, and people only do that because they trust you. You have a legacy spanning multiple generations. You are a champion for rural Ireland and Laois.

“In this chamber we benefit from his wisdom, diplomacy and we all benefit from his calmness. On behalf of the executive management and staff, congratulations on your rare achievement. You are a gentleman to deal with,” the CEO said.

Cllr McDonald thanked all his colleagues for their fulsome praise of his quiet, gentlemanly manner, and dedication to his constituents.

“Someone said a week is a long time in politics, well 40 years seems a bit longer. I've enjoyed every bit. You were always so good and kind to me, whatever department, I got good recognition and help," he said.

“Over 40 years I have seen huge change and a lot for the good. Laois has become is one of the best counties in the country, with huge advances in agriculture and tourism and it's great to be a part of that.

“My biggest achievement was serving as Cathaoirleach from 1996 to 1997, it was a great honour to be the first citizen, and welcome the Laois minor team when they won the All Ireland,” Cllr McDonald said.

His party colleagues included former MEP Liam Hyland from Ballacolla, aged almost 93 as he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“Any person in public office for 40 years, it's an indication of the dedication and the way Seamus has served the public,” he said.

Cllr Paddy Bracken from the same district has served 23 years with his Fianna Fáil colleague.

“You are very honorable and very fair. You had some great times and sad times too, you survived it all”.

See Photos by Michael Scully from Cllr McDonald's reception here.

Cllr Paschal McEvoy said Cllr McDonald is “a gentleman”.

“I was bringing you somewhere and you must have got 30 calls on your little Nokia phone. You answer everyone. You say very little but when you you speak, you speak your mind”.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said "you don't get reelected and reelcted, unless you do the job".

"You are so well regarded in your own community. You talk common sense. When Seamus has something to say, everyone listens. There's a lesson in it for us all," she said.

Cllr Ollie Clooney described him as "a marathon man".

"You've never said a cross word, here's to your 50th. You got a carpark for the Slieve Blooms. I want a carpark in Durrow," he added.

Cllr McDonald's family including his five children and three of his grandchildren all joined in the special event, along with friends, neighbours and supporters. 

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Laois County Council presented him with gifts including a painting of Glenbarrow waterfall by Mike Rafter. A cake and reception followed, and an invitation by Cllr McDonald for all to enjoy a “chat and few pints” with him afterwards in John Moloney's Gaelic Bar in Mountmellick.