'I'm down 5,300 votes', says Deputy Lowry during General Election launch

“I'M down 5,300 votes because of the new constituency boundaries,” said a worried Deputy Michael Lowry when addressing a capacity crowd in The Ragg for his General Election launch on Friday evening.
The Deputy pointed out that the creation of the new North Tipperary/North West Kilkenny Constituency means he's lost an important part of the previous Tipperary Constituency which voted for him in the past.
The Thurles man's Director of Elections for the upcoming Election, Philip Kinane, was also equally concerned, telling us that he lives in the Moycarkey area and therefore can no longer vote for the Deputy.
Mr Kinane, who's a member of the IFA and is knowledgeable about the Agri and Food Industry, pointed out that it's irritating to hear people say that Lowry’s seat is safe. “No seat in any election can ever be considered safe and candidates need No.1 votes to ensure their election,” he said. “If you want Michael Lowry to work for you in the next Dáil term, he needs your Number 1 Vote.’
Deputy Lowry said he was feeling very encouraged by such an excellent turnout for the election launch, “because it gives a politician something of an indication of the support that he has on the ground.” He remembered all those who are no longer with us and wished a good recovery for Valerie Young, formerly a Councillor in Templemore Town Council, who is currently suffering from ill health.
His speech also ranged briefly into the subject of the former Town Councils, which, he said, should never have been abolished.
He spoke of the extraordinary success of Team Lowry, which has five Councillors in North Tipperary and, in a way, is something akin to a political party. It's a political movement which regularly tells the electorate that its leader is someone who gets things done.
Deputy Lowry said politics is a serious business which can negatively or positively impact on people's lives. “That is why I am in politics, to try and positively impact on people's lives. I want to ensure that the economy of North Tipperary and North Kilkenny develops and prospers; that it's a place where jobs are created and communities grow. I want to ensure that the rural way of life is cherished; that you can walk the streets of our towns feeling safe and secure; that we live in a society where the elderly are valued and given the respect they deserve; a place where young people work reasonable hours and are able to enjoy a decent amount of quality time with their families.
“This is my tenth general election. Elections are never easy and this one will be no exception. It will be by far the most difficult election that I have ever encountered because of the changed boundaries.
“I stand for community. I stand by those who need help. I deeply value the community around me. My record of delivery over the years has been steady and dependable. I am entering into this election with the same level of enthusiasm and obligation to deliver as I had when I entered politics back in 1979.
“I look forward to meeting and engaging with as many people as time allows during the course of this Election Campaign. Lowry Team canvassers will visit all areas in North Tipperary and North Kilkenny and my diligent staff are available Monday to Friday to assist those who call.”
The gathering in The Ragg heard from a number of speakers from across the Constituency, representing Education, Disability Services, Farming, Business and Sport.
Guest Speakers included Holycross/Ballycahill Clubman, Declan Carr, who captained Tipperary to win the 1991 All-Ireland Final and is the holder of two All-Ireland medals, three Munster and an All-Star Award; Brendan Maher, who is regarded as one of the great talents of Tipperary Hurling with three Senior All-Ireland medals, three All-Star Awards and five Munster Championship titles; Evelyn Nevin who represented the Lowry Team on Thurles Urban Council and is known for being a Community Activist with a passion for Special Needs, Disadvantaged and vulnerable young people; Dr Martin Fitzgerald, a teacher with a career that spanned 40 years in both the Post-Primary and Third Level. Martin spent four years as Principal and eight years teaching at MIC in Thurles. Holycross native and Secondary School teacher Noel Buckley, who served as Project Manager for the Tipperary Down Syndrome Project, ‘Meitheal 21’, at the request of Deputy Lowry. Noel is a founding member of Gaelscoil Cluainmeala and is a strong advocate of community development. Public Affairs Consultant, Political Commentator and former Senior Government Advisor, Gerard Howlin. There were also contributions from two of the Lowry Team Councillors, Cllr Micheál Lowry and Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara
Cllr Micheál Lowry spoke about the “unselfishness” of his father. “While we have someone of his calibre working on our behalf we should continue to support him in this great constituency of ours.”
The Chairman of the Lowry Team, Borrisokane solicitor Michael Collins, was introduced as being a “rock solid person” who was “a great emotional support” to Deputy Lowry when he was going through “his challenges”. Mr Collins said Deputy Lowry needs 10,000 Number Ones to be elected “in this tight three seater constituency.”
Declan Carr said the question he's most often asked is, How is Michael Lowry still topping the poll in Tipperary? “The reason is the people trust that he will work hard for them and that he will do the right thing.”
Brendan Maher, who is running a health and fitness business with his wife Aoife, spoke about the importance of continuously looking after our mental and physical health. “The world we live in doesn't facilitate movement. We are stuck in front of screens for huge amounts of time. We don't exercise enough, giving various reasons such as lack of time, tiredness and lack of motivation. We have to do our best to fight these things because it's a matter of life and death. We need to sit less, move more. Michael Lowry understands this message”
Evelyn Nevin told the gathering that Deputy Lowry became a Councillor in 1979 and a TD in 1987. “He has topped the poll on the last six occasions. “Everyone in this room who has had difficult issues in their lives, in their families or otherwise, and have gone to Michael Lowry for help will tell you that they were very glad they did. It is great to have someone like Michael in your corner fighting your cause.”
Martin Fitzgerald made the point that it is unusual for a town of Thurles' size to have two third level colleges. He quoted the prediction that over the next 25 years 50% to 60% of today's jobs will have disappeared. He spoke about the challenges of Artificial Intelligence.
Noel Buckley told us, “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can achieve noteworthy and special things.”
Gerard Howlin said Team Lowry is “a political phenomenon which is envied around the country. “This election is about the challenges which people will face in the next five years, including housing, cost of living, immigration, artificial intelligence, climate change. Complex issues are with us and good leadership is needed. Good leadership, good governance is sometimes not for the fainthearted.
Cllr Pamela Quirke O'Meara said she is the mother of three “beautiful children and my husband is the glue holding it all together.” She said her mother, at the age of 59, became very ill.
“We wouldn't have been able to care for her without the support from Michael Lowry and his office.”
She said that when she had been working very hard as a politician and was feeling “emotionally spent” she talked to Deputy Lowry “and he said the most important things are to spend enough time with your family and look after your health.”