A
Tribute To Joe Doyle
By Dermot Lacey
On June 12th next, for the first time
since 1979, this area will no longer be represented at either Dublin City Council
or in the Dail or Seanad by Joe Doyle.
It is quite simply
a record of twenty-five years unbroken, dedicated and honest service to the people
of our community. It will bring to a conclusion a proud and distinguished record
of service to the people of the Pembroke ward and Dublin South East that Joe should
be proud of.
Whilst Joe and I are supporters, activists and elected representatives
for two different political parties, I have long respected his integrity and commitment
to achieving what he believed was best for the people he represented. In many
ways Joe as a politician is the epitome of the historic mandate of Fine Gael-
honourable, conservative, compassionate and committed to the democratic institutions
of our State.
Growing up, Joe and I lived yards from each other and our paths
crossed many times before both pursuing an active role in politics. Joe was a
member of Donnybrook Scout Unit for many years- something I still am. He was also
Sacristan at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook, when I was an altar boy. We
had many discussions, disagreements and debates over the years. From time to time
we even agreed with each other.
During the 1980s, on what were referred to as
the great social agenda issues, Joe, under significant pressure from within his
own Party and influenced considerably by a deep Christian faith, took highly principled
positions. Many of us, on both sides of those campaigns, could respect his stand
as being honest, compassionate and heartfelt.
This compassion was given the opportunity
to express itself in a very meaningful way when as Chairman of the Housing Committee
of (the then) Dublin Corporation he was part of a majority on the Council pushing
for more public housing and the upgrading of the existing housing stock. It is
not Joe's fault that, as he leaves office, there has never been a greater need
for more public housing and less commitment from Government to provide it.
As
Chairman of the Planning Committee he efficiently and expeditiously piloted through
the City Development Plan that contributed much to the rejuvenation of our capital
City.
As Lord Mayor, an honour that I know Joe deeply valued, he was instrumental
in publishing a series of information leaflets for many new immigrants to our
country in their own language. This practical measure was typical of this practical
politician. While others preached their creed of Political Correctness, Joe simply
delivered.
Too often in politics it is only when someone has departed this life
that their work is publicly acknowledged by their colleagues and friends across
the political parties. On this occasion, as a fellow Donnybrooker, as someone
like Joe who had the enormous honour of serving as Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin
and as someone who will never forget the trust conferred by the ballot box, I
want to say 'Thank You Joe'.
As a constituent and, I hope as a friend, I want
to say 'Thank You' also to Joe's wife Peggy for her kindness and courtesy on many
occasions. I hope that together with your family you can now enjoy a long, active
and fulfilled retirement.
Above all, at a time when the noble vocation of politics
is perhaps at an all-time low, I want to say to Alderman Joe Doyle 'Thank You
for giving politics a good name'.
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