LUCINDA CREIGHTON’S RENUA party has suffered another blow today, with confirmation that Jonathan Irwin, the founder of the Jack & Jill charity, is withdrawing from running in the next general election due to health reasons.
It comes just a week after James Charity, a councillor for the Athenry-Oranmore area in Galway, withdrew on the basis of the party’s water charges policy.
Like a Louis Copeland suit
Citing health problems resulting from his cancer treatment, Irwin said in a statement that “with sadness” he would have to abandon his plans to run in South Kildare.
“Despite months of medical treatment, my doctor tells me that the paralysis in my right leg post my successful cancer treatment, bringing with it a certain amount of pain and lack of balance, is irreversible, therefore severely restricting my mobility,” Irwin said.
“A fact I now must accept, even though I still believe that doctors aren’t always right.
He added:
“My detour into politics was brief but colourful and I’d found a coat in Renua that fitted me so well, as if crafted by Louis Copeland.
“Alas, it’s a coat I can’t wear given the layers of work I’ve yet to do for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Lucinda and my Renua colleagues for believing in this old dog and in showing me some new tricks along the way.
“I know that the party will do well, despite my absence as a candidate; although I will continue to cheerlead from the sideline.
“I must also thank the constituents of Kildare South, a county in which I have lived and worked since 1968, for all their support and good wishes since I announced my intention to run. I genuinely wanted to be their voice in Leinster House and a real catalyst for change but the journey to get me there is too steep health and time wise and if I can’t give it 100% I would be doing my neighbours and friends a disservice.”
A statement from Renua said the party wanted to express its “sincere regret” over the withdrawal.
“Renua Ireland would like to thank Jonathan for the energy and vibrant approach he brought to the party’s attempt to build a new agenda for Irish politics.
”We hope to continue to avail of his quick-thinking, original decision making and his intuitive approach to problem solving well into the future.”
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