Stillorgan councillor Humpreys steps down

LABOUR councillor Richard Humphreys announced his resignation from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council last week.

In a press release issued last Thursday, the Southside politician said it had been a pleasure to have served as a councillor on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

“for a number of years

?.

“However, the time commitment involved in council work has significantly increased due to the roll-out of the Local Government Reform Act 2014,

? he wrote.

“This has been particularly significant as it affects Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council where a significant increase in the number of councillors has also contributed to an addition to the workload.

“Over the past year I have come to the view that the increased time commitment involved in my role as a councillor is in excess of the time available to me, and that therefore the most appropriate step for me at this particular point is to retire from elective politics in order to concentrate on my legal work.

?

He added:

“I am very grateful to all those who voted for and supported me over two elections. I wish all my council colleagues, of whatever party or none, and the Chief Executive and officials, every success in their work.

“I have enjoyed my time as a candidate and councillor and can look back positively about the work I have been able to do in that capacity, but it is simply time for a change.

?

Following the announcement of his decision to retire from elective politics, Deputy Eamon Gilmore said Mr Humphreys had been an able and articulate councillor and an outstanding representative for the people of Stillorgan.

“He is a person of great personal and political courage, who has never been afraid to take a principled stand on important issues,

? Deputy Gilmore stated.

“Richard will be a great loss to the people of Stillorgan and to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, but I fully respect the decision he has made.

“I want to thank Richard for his service and I am sure that he will find a way to continue to contribute to public life. I wish him well in the future.

?

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White applauded the

“outstanding contribution

? of Mr Humphreys.

Minister White said:

“I totally respect Richard’s decision to resign as a councillor, although I was sorry to hear it just the same.

“Richard has made an outstanding contribution to the people of Stillorgan and to local government in Dublin. I trust that he will remain active in politics in other capacities.

?