Mayor of Tramore, Raymond Hayden (FG)
The Mayor of Tramore, Raymond Hayden (FG), is not seeking re-election to the Town Council in June. Due to become a father for the fourth time in March, he is stepping down for family reasons following one five-year term of service.
“I have been finding it increasingly difficult to juggle family duties with political life and my job with The Port of Waterford”, said the affable councillor who by nature would want to do things properly or not at all.
“I’d like to think I’ve given it my best shot and done a decent job since 2004”, he said this week. “But my eldest child is only five and my prime commitment, naturally, is to my wife and the little ones”. He has enjoyed his period in public life and would like to think that in time to come he will get an opportunity to re-enter politics.
In the meantime, he intends continuing to support his party and canvassing for its candidates seeking election to the Town Council. They are Mark Kennedy, Eleanor Hickey and outgoing Councillors Ann Marie Power and Lola O’Sullivan.
The latter two, who are also County Councillors, expressed regret and sadness at Mayor Hayden’s departure, although at the same time understanding fully his reasons.
“We are losing a good colleague who has worked extremely hard and honestly on behalf of the people of Tramore”, said Cllr Power. And Cllr O’Sullivan expressed the earnest hope that he would one day resume a political career “which was definitely going places”.
