Local elections: Ian McGarvey says councillors must seek more 'connection' with TDs

Former Donegal County Councillor Ian McGarvey says local representatives should have 'more communication' with the county's TDs

The Ramelton man, who served as a county councillor from 2004 until he retired in January 2023, has urged those elected to the Council this week to take their role seriously.

The 93-year-old McGarvey was the oldest elected representative in Ireland until he stepped down last year, with his nephew Pauric McGarvey co-opted to the seat.

McGarvey was at the Aura Leisure Complex in Letterkenny on Saturday for the segregation of votes.

“Whoever is elected, I would say to them to appreciate the role they are elected to,” he told Donegal Live.

“They should take it very seriously because it is a responsible position. When I look at local authorities, we are listed at 25 for services and, for me, that is a scandal.

“ I have always felt that the local authority should have more communication with our national representatives. It is something that our Councillors should look at now when they are elected.

“I would be sympathetic to the people who have stood up to try and win a position.

“The Council seat is a position of authority – maybe not enough authority, maybe. To me, it is disappointing because the system doesn't lend itself to people who are there to represent the wider public. There is a deficiency in the system.”

McGarvey was an interested spectator on Saturday, but the pressure was much less than he had been used to when awaiting votes himself.

He said: “People are important and democracy is important. I hold the view is that this is an opportunity for people to elect people they think will represent them.

“I always felt that it was a privilege and an honour to be in the position of representing people and assisting them.

“I might as well say that I miss my breakfast. It was always a pleasure to be in that situation and to have the responsibility.

“At all times, I was always available. It didn't matter to me whether a person was from Inishowen or the islands, I would assist if I could. For me, it wasn't just about representing people in the Milford area.”