Ireland

Republic's oldest elected representative Ian McGarvey celebrates 91st birthday

Councillor Ian McGarvey and his wife Marjorie. Picture from The Tirconaill Tribune
Councillor Ian McGarvey and his wife Marjorie. Picture from The Tirconaill Tribune Councillor Ian McGarvey and his wife Marjorie. Picture from The Tirconaill Tribune

THE Republic's oldest elected representative has celebrated his 91st birthday.

Independent Councillor Ian McGarvey was first elected to Donegal County Council in 2004, when he was 73.

He celebrated his birthday yesterday.

Tributes were paid to Mr McGarvey in the Seanad this week.

Cathaoirleach Mark Daly told members that Mr McGarvey became the Republic's oldest mayor when he was elected chair of his council aged 82.

"He's still hearty and doing all the work and will no doubt be at meetings all day today so, I wish Ian McGarvey a very happy birthday," he told the house on Wednesday.

Mr McGarvey told RTÉ he did not want a birthday party.

"I have a party for my 90th and that's enough," he said.

The councillor is a high-profile housing campaigner and has called for 100 per cent redress for those whose homes are affected by Mica.

Thousands of homes and buildings, primarily in counties Donegal and Mayo, are crumbling because of blocks containing high levels of the mineral.

"Maintaining the confidence and trust of the people who elected me is most important," Mr McGarvey said.

Asked if he would stand again at the next local election, he said: "wouldn't I love to stand another time".

Mr McGarvey and his wife Marjorie recently marked their 67th wedding anniversary.