Spiel Of Fortune

One from the heart of Kilcoole… THURS9MAY24

atest press release from Cllr Tom Fortune, issued the morning after his local election campaign launch on Thursday, May 9th 2024…

Speaking at the launch of his local election campaign Cllr Tom Fortune said, “I have been active in my community all my life, and I became a local politician because my community asked would I put my name forward for election.

“At the time, the community was neglected and in the view of many, been dumped on. I have always had an interest in current affairs and I enjoy a debate. Over my time as a councillor, I’ve worked hard for the community. I have and continue to raise relevant issues and ask the hard questions of Wicklow County Council about issues that affect our communities of Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany, Newcastle and Killadreenan.”

Tom’s political values are:
1. I have an independent mind.
2. I ask hard questions on your behalf.
3. I like to help people.
4. I challenge unfairness.
5. I have strong family values.
6. My life experience.
7. I believe community is key.

At the launch, Fortune also talked of his business background. “I have over 30 years experience working in corporate and indigenous Irish companies at board level. I have also run my own business.”

Tom spoke of his approach in seeking out fairness on behalf of his constituents and his ability to navigate local and national government on the community’s behalf. “As an experienced independent councillor, I seek out what is right on behalf of my community. A key role of a councillor is to advocate strongly.”

Fortune feels that this is more important than ever as the councillor role is been undermined, a challenge he has written on many times over the past three years.

Tom also spoke of his achievements, his enthusiasm and what drives him. His life-long involvement in community across a wide range of areas, the infrastructure he has contributed to over that time, such as community centres, playgrounds, bus and train services, along with his contribution to education and tourism in the area. Tom was chairman of Wicklow County Tourism for eight years.

He advocates continually on housing needs for people, contributing greatly to county development plans and Local Area Plans.

Tom gets really motivated when he talks of what he believes is his greatest achievement, which is the hundreds of individuals he has helped and continues to help navigate both local and national government. Tom says this is a key role for a local county councillor.

Looking forward, Fortune says the Local Area Plan is vital. Input from the public is very important and he is encouraging everyone to participate. A massive challenge is the provision of schools, two key elements being the building of the long-delayed Greystones Community College building and the extension to Colaiste Croabh Abhann in Kilcoole, which will bring the latter to a 1,000-pupil school. “I cannot stress enough the importance of the completion of these projects. The stress parents are going through at present regarding school places for their children is just not acceptable. I am advocating regularly with our TDs to make this happen.

“I believe that education is the pathway to solving many challenges for us all. I am Vice Chair of KWETB, Chairperson of CCA, Chairperson of BIFE, and a board member of Greystones National School, which is under the patronage of the KWETB.”

Fortune also stresses that the continuation of infrastructure requires ongoing focus, “which I will continue to do. I will focus on my role as a councillor and the influence I can bring to bear on the provision of footpaths, road resurfacing, road markings, public lighting, etc…

On the role of councillors being under threat from central government, Fortune feels that, in this ever-changing environment, a strong councillor is more vital than ever.

“What I will also do is continue to advocate on behalf of our local fishermen. In my opinion, the way they have been treated and continue to be treated is one of the unfairest actions that I have witnessed as a public representative. I have supported them since the issue began in the mid-2000s and will continue to do so. I offered to mediate with Wicklow County Council and the fishermen, but to date, have received no response. That offer is still there.

“Bottom line, I will continue to be my independent self, and I am totally community driven…”

You can find out more about Tom Fortune on his website here, and on our Speakers’ Corner here, plus follow on Instagram here, Facebook here or X here, and get in touch directly on email here.