Tributes paid to retiring Cavan councillor Madeleine Argue

Glowing tributes were paid to Fine Gael councillor Madeleine Argue at the recent Cavan-Belturbet MD area meeting ahead of her retirement from local politics.

First elected to office in 1999, Cllr Argue is the daughter of the late Senator Andy O’Brien. She served as Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council in 2018-19, and as one of two vice-presidents of the Fine Gael Party in 2021. She is also a member of the Party’s Executive Council.

Long time friend and council colleague, Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh became emotional when she spoke of their time in the chamber together. “It goes for every councillor, we come in here and we work as a team and with the executive to get things done for the county.”

She and Cllr Argue had become “close friends” despite their political differences. Cllr Walsh added that her presence, post the June elections, will be “sadly missed”.

Fine Gael's Peter McVitty said that 25 years “goes past very fast”. He paid tribute to Cllr Argue's steady hand as an elected representative, and to her empathy as a person.

Independent Brendan Fay said he first met Cllr Argue while out canvassing in Butlersbridge in the run up to the last election. “Anything you've told me since has been for my own good,” he said appreciatively.

Cllr Áine Smith (FF) said that Cllr Argue had been “very kind” to her after she was co-opted on to the council after the death of her father Seán.

John Paul Feeley (FF) meanwhile wished Cllr Argue “many happy years” of retirement.

He said: “Madeleine was not a political opponent, she was always a good friend to everyone. I always found her so friendly and encouraging.”

On behalf of the executive, Director of Services Brendan Jennings said Cllr Argue was “always good to work with”.

“You were in it for the right reasons. You made life for us easy. You were always very practicable about your work.”

In response, Cllr Argue said, after 25 years on the council working for the county, it was “time to go”.

She expressed her pride that her daughter, Niamh, will stand for election come June, and credited all involved in the MD as “making a difference” in the lives of constituents.

Cllr Argue paid tribute to her fellow councillors, speaking fondly of working alongside Cllr Smith's late father Seán and Cllr Feeley's father Eddie.

She thanked the executive too, and the media. “I will miss you all.”