One of the country’s longest serving public representatives, New Ross based Fine Gael’s Cllr Larry O’Brien, who has been a member for 28 years has announced that he is stepping down when the Local Elections are held next May.
“I have done 28 years. I have no great reasons for stepping back. I want to look forward to the next years for myself,” said the Campile native.
Cllr O’Brien came to public prominence for his heroism during the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry disaster in which 193 lives were lost in Zeebrugge Harbour in Belgium in 1987.
Cllr O’Brien is credited with saving the lives of up to 40 people during one of the worst maritime disasters in peace time Europe.
He was elected to Wexford County Council on his first attempt in 1990 and retained his seat at every election since.
He served as Chairman of Wexford County Council and New Ross Urban District.
Cllr O’Brien said it was an honour to serve the people of New Ross district for almost three decades and he thanked them all for their loyal support.
His only regret is for the future of rural Ireland. “It is being left to die. We should be looking after our towns and opening factories in places like New Ross. Post offices are being closed, rural pubs are suffering. It is very sad,” he concluded.