‘Together we will work for the betterment of all’

A Fianna Fáil councillor has extended his very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and as peaceful and healthy New Year to all his constituents in the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District, and all who read The Anglo-Celt in Cavan and elsewhere.

This Christmas, many will be more conscious of the value of meeting up with family and friends having endured necessary restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

“Like others attending hospitals and having ongoing treatment, the pandemic brought additional pressures on us and on family and friends as well. Our health care workers deserve special commendation for their commitment,” he stated.

Following surgery in 2019, and treatment continuing since that time, Cllr Smith says that normal social activity for him was “extremely limited, if at all possible and we missed out on many of the things that keep us going on a daily basis. I think of missing the 2020 Junior Championship Final which my home club, Templeport won and the celebrations in Ballyconnell to welcome home Leona Maguire following the Solheim Cup victory.”

Of course, like everyone else Cllr Smith couldn’t be in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh to savour Cavan’s magnificent 2020 Ulster Cup win also.

“I would love to have been able to witness in person Drumlane, our Junior County Champions, progress through the Ulster Championship. At times we all give out about the media, both print and broadcast, but thankfully we have had good radio, TV, and local newspaper coverage of sports.”

Despite health challenges, he has been able to carry out his duties as a public representative with the support of colleagues.

“I pay particular tribute to the officials of Cavan County Council and Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board for facilitating me in the holding of in-person and online meetings.”

Knowing how many families are “under serious pressure” with cost of living increases, housing and health care difficulties, Cllr Smith considers that government needs to continue to support families “as strongly as possible” through these challenging times.

“Over the past few years, I am very glad that we have seen additional government investment in our county, be it in housing or road works and in support for community and voluntary groups who are providing important services in every parish. I am glad to support the efforts of so many volunteers, all working to improve our localities.

“There will always be more to be done and together we will work for the betterment of all. We can support our own by shopping local and helping to keep jobs in our own area.”