Remembering Mayo's Joe Blowick, politician and mechanic

by Auld Stock

MOVES are afoot to start a new political party in this country.

One of the politicians behind the idea is Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Roscommon, an Independent member of Dáil Éireann.

I am an admirer of Michael Fitzmaurice, a man of integrity and common sense. Michael is deeply concerned about what is happening in rural Ireland, the closure of post offices and small shops.

He is also fearful of impending legislation, promoted by the Green Party, which, he maintains, will do immense damage to members of the farming community.

A number of new political parties have been formed in this country over the years. Some of them flourished for a while but later disappeared into oblivion.

It will be interesting to see how the proposed new party works out. It will certainly have its work cut out, particularly with the surge in support for Sinn Féin with their populist appeal.

The Clann na Talmhan Party was founded in Athenry, Co. Galway, on June 29, 1939. Clann was one of five parties in the first inter-party government, 1948/1951.

Joe Blowick was Minister for Lands in that government and set about establishing a major tree-planting project right across this country.

It was a pity those who succeeded Joe in his ministry didn’t follow his example.

Apart from politics, Joe was a genius when it came to repairing tractors, cars and lorries.

A thoroughly decent man, Joe was brother of Fr. Stephen Blowick who served in Islandeady for a number of years.

Michael Corley, Aughadrina, Castlebar, was closely associated with Clann na Talmhan, a fiery speaker, well capable of rousing his audience.