Mayo elected representative confirms retirement after record-breaking service

Castlebar Fine Gael Senator Paddy Burke has confirmed he is not contesting next year’s Seanad Éireann elections after serving on the agricultural panel for over three decades.

By the time the next elections take place at the end of January, he will hold the record of being the longest serving Fine Gael public representative in the county.

From being first elected to Mayo County Council in 1979 to the end of his term on the senate, he will have served nearly 46 years, 32 of which were in the Oireachtas.

Although he is not issuing an official announcement of his imminent retirement, he told The Connaught Telegraph he reached his decision after long and careful consideration.

Senator Burke served as FG spokesperson on social protection, rural and community development and the islands in the outgoing administration, the 26th Seanad.

First elected to the Oireachtas in 1993, he was appointed to the prestigious post of cathaoirleach on May 25, 2011, at the outset of the 24th Seanad, the first Mayo representative to hold the role.

During his time as cathaoirlreach, he served on the Council of State.

Altogether, he has been elected to the Upper House on seven occasions, a record only bettered by former senator David Norris.

He also held the position of leas cathaoirleach and was a former Seanad spokesperson on defence and emigrant affairs.

Senator Burke was a member of Mayo County Council from 1979 until the abolition of the dual mandate in 2003, prior to which he was an elected member of Castlebar Town Council.

An accomplished golfer, he was a founder member of the Oireachtas Golf Society.

Widely popular within the political fraternity, he is wished health and happiness in his retirement. He will reach the age of 69 on January 15 next.

Meanwhile, Mayo Fine Gael Councillor Neil Cruise has respectfully declined the offer of an outside nomination to contest the Seanad Éireann elections.

It is understood he was being nominated for the agricultural panel, which Senator Burke is vacating.

The Foxford-based representative explained: "Timing is a big factor in politics and I believe that this is just not the right time to pursue this opportunity.

"It was a very hard decision to make but I believe it is the right one.

"I wish to sincerely thank the body who have faith in me and offered me the nomination. In addition, thank you to all who rang, texted and WhatsApped to support. Beidh la éile!"