Family ties: North Tipperary County Council: New generations of two political families have been elected to North Tipperary County Council.
The sons of the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, and Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry were elected to the council on their first attempt. Mr Michael Smith jnr and Mr Micheal Lowry were elected to the same local authority where their fathers cut their political teeth. Like his father five years before, Mr Micheal Lowry headed the poll in the Thurles area and was elected on the first count. Mr Michael Smith jnr secured the third highest first preference vote in Templemore.
Mr Smith snr will be 64 next November, but insisted he had no intention of retiring from politics. "It's been my life and I love it. If I ever retire it will be at the end of a term of government and it will be a sudden decision."
His son's role now was to work as hard as possible as a county councillor "and whatever happens in the future is in the lap of the gods". Mr Smith jnr will continue to work the family farm at Lismakin, Roscrea, while working as a councillor. Mr Micheal Lowry jnr said he has no immediate aspirations to succeed his father as a TD. "Anything is possible, but I cannot see dad moving aside." However, he did not rule out a Dáil career in the future. "It's not a question for today or tomorrow, but situations change."
If approached by any party he would think about it if he felt it was good for the people of North Tipperary. "But I am now part of the Lowry team and that is where I see myself for the foreseeable future," said Micheal, who works in his father's company, Streamline Enterprises.
Mr Lowry snr, who fielded eight candidates under the "Lowry team" banner said he was very pleased with the performances of his candidates, five of whom were elected. "We have consolidated our political base. I am delighted with the result."
Fianna Fáil suffered heavy losses in North Tipperary. Thurles town councillor Mr Jim Ryan, who resigned from the party after failing to be chosen as part of the county council ticket, ended up getting a record first preference vote on the town council. Mr Michael O' Meara (Ind), who also sought a Fianna Fáil nomination, headed the poll in the Borrisokane area.
Ms Orla O'Kennedy, a daughter of former minister and EU commissioner Mr Michael O'Kennedy, failed to get elected to Nenagh Town Council on her first attempt.
A strong showing by Labour in the town earned them two seats on the town council and saw Mr Seán Creamer first to be returned to the county council in the Nenagh electoral area.