Leitrim County Councillor Gerry Dolan is not seeking re-election

After 33 years in local politics and for personal reasons, Independent councillor from the Drumshanbo area, Gerry Dolan, has announced that he is not putting his name forward at the upcoming local elections on Friday, June 7.

In a statement to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr Dolan said it has been an honour and a privilege for him to represent the people of his constituency over the past 33 years.

"I loved working with and helping people all throughout the county. I am very proud of my record in local elections and despite several boundary changes I have been elected every time I went forward and received a vote in every polling booth where my name was on the ballot," he said.

To his knowledge, Cllr Dolan says he has been the longest serving non party representative in Leitrim County Council's history.

Some of his biggest achievements he says have been bringing the Department Veterinary Office to Drumshanbo, the banning of fracking and the slowing down of afforestation in our beautiful county.

"I want to sincerely thank everyone that ever voted for me," he said.

"To all the workers and staff of Leitrim County Council, thank you so much for helping me and the people of our great county with everything you do.

"To all my committee members and canvassers over the years, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your work. Without you all I couldn't have done it.

"I wish every election candidate the best of luck in the upcoming elections. It's a brave thing for anyone to put their name forward on the ballot and they all deserve respect for doing it.

"For those lucky enough to be successful, please work together to keep making Leitrim the best little county in Ireland.

"Finally, to my family, my children, my son and daughters in law, my grandchildren and most importantly my wife Rose, thank you for standing by me and helping me with everything over the last 33 years," Cllr Dolan concluded.