One of the longest-serving public representatives in the county has announced his retirement from politics.
Independent Alliance councillor Michael Gleeson told fellow members of the Killarney Municipal District this afternoon of his intention to step down at the next full council meeting.
“There’s only some little time in everything.”
That’s how Councillor Michael Gleeson surprised colleagues this afternoon, when he announced that he’s to retire from politics.
Michael Gleeson was first co-opted into local politics in 1983, when Michael Moynihan was appointed a junior minister.
He was elected in 1985 as a Labour councillor and served until 1991.
He was then re-elected in 1999 for the South Kerry Independent Alliance and has served on the Killarney Town Council and Kerry County Council since.
The former teacher, Kerry footballer and All-Ireland winner said a lot has happened since 1983, but life will go on.
Cathaoirleach Brendan Cronin led the lengthy tributes following the announcement, saying Michael Gleeson was the epitome of integrity and honour throughout his time in political life.
Independent councillor Niall Botty O’Callaghan added his former teacher set the standard in both educational and political circles.
Councillor Gleeson will formally step down from his role at the next council meeting in June.
