Nicky vows to fight on despite diagnosis

Local Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden has this week told the Westmeath Independent that she has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease, but despite her diagnosis the Dáil deputy has vowed to fight on and continue to serve her constituents in Longford/Westmeath. "I've never surrendered in the face of any challenge, and I'm not going to surrender to this either," she said. "I've the full support of my party and will have the practical help of good friends to assist me in continuing my work as a Dáil deputy." Deputy McFadden's diagnosis was confirmed at the end of last week. "About eight months ago, I noticed I was having to slow down my speech in order to avoid slurring my words," she said. "Last Thursday Prof. Orla Hardiman diagnosed Motor Neurone disease. "I was shocked and distressed when I was told, but after a couple of days, I was clear that this was something to be fought, and I'm a fighter. 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 to now." High on Deputy McFadden's agenda is the army issue and she said: "I am absolutely determined, for example, to continue to campaign vigorously to prevent Custume Barracks in Athlone from being stripped of its brigade headquarters status. My offices in Mullingar and Athlone have never been busier, and it is business as usual representing the people of Longford and Westmeath in Dáil Éireann." Deputy McFadden added: "Initially I thought it was something to do with my vocal chords. But each medical test proved negative and it was a very frustrating time. I feel absolutely fine, and I completed a ten-mile walk for the ICA just three weeks ago. The possibility of Motor Neurone disease only emerged in the last fortnight." While 75% of people first present with muscle weakness in the arms and legs, the onset of Deputy McFadden's condition is subtle and only affects her speech so far. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed admiration for the way the Longford/Westmeath deputy had addressed her illness. "We have no doubt that Nicky will continue her work with her customary conviction and energy," he said.