Community support for Nicky McFadden

The revelation that Deputy Nicky McFadden has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease has come as a major shock to her constituents. The popular and affable Fine Gael TD has not been in full health recently - but it was not until last Thursday that the diagnosis was confirmed. In a dignified, brave and commendable public statement this week, Deputy McFadden said: "I was shocked and distressed when I was told but after a couple of days it was clear to me that this was something to be fought, and I'm a fighter." She will have the good wishes of the people of Longford/Westmeath and, indeed, further afield, in her fight. In a time when politicians are often pilloried and criticised, Deputy McFadden's insistence on continuing her dedication to public service, and to serving her constituents, should be noted. She said: "I've never surrendered in the face of any challenge, and I'm not going to surrender to this either. I have the full support of my party and will have the practical help of my good friends and staff to assist me in continuing my work as a Dáil Deputy." "Other than a slowing of my speech, at the moment I have no other symptoms and so I'm determined to maintain my workload as energetically as I have up until now." An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has expressed admiration for the courage with which Deputy McFadden has addressed her illness saying, 'we have no doubt that Nicky will continue her work with her customary conviction and energy'. Nicky McFadden has always been, above all else, a community politician. It was therefore, both fitting and typical of the Fine Gael TD to commend her friends, colleagues and family for their support in recent days and weeks. This community which she has helped to develop and encourage will rally around her now in her difficulties. And in the political world, Deputy McFadden will need all of her nous and energies to see off the current threat to jobs at Custume Barraacks. As our front page story reveals this week, informed sources have indicated that over 600 jobs could be lost to Athlone, if the barracks loses its brigade headquarter status. This is a nightmare scenario for the town - and Deputy McFadden's influence within Government, and within Fine Gael, will be crucial in seeing off this particular threat. The thoughts and prayers of the people of South Westmeath will be with Deputy McFadden in both her personal battle against illness and her public fight against the downgrading of Custume Barracks.