It's being described as a sad day for Fine Gael.
A Fine Gael Councillor in Laois has announced his early retirement.
Tom Mulhall has been involved in local politics for over a decade, after being elected in 2009.
The Emo man also served as Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council in 2016-17 but suffered a sudden illness last August.
Former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says it's a sad day for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington electoral area and for Fine Gael.
The Laois/Offaly TD says:
It is with great sadness that I learn of the early retirement from Laois County Council of my good friend and colleague Cllr Tom Mulhall. It is also a very sad day for the electorate in the wider Portarlington- Graiguecullen area and especially for the Mulhall family and Tom himself.
Cllr Tom Mulhall was a dedicated and committed Public representative for many years. He worked 24/7 for his constituents in the Portarlington- Graiguecullen Electoral area and he is widely respected for his role in Politics and Community affairs.
It is also a sad day for the Fine Gael party as Tom as very proud of his membership.
While there were many highlights to Tom career, we were all particularly proud of his year served as Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council in 2016/2017. Cllr Tom Mulhall will certainly be missed for his high work rate across the Portarlington- Graiguecullen area and in particular Portarlington, Killenard, Stradbally, Emo, The Heath, Ballybrittas, Vicarstown and Jamestown.
On behalf of the Fine Gael party in County Laois, I wish Tom a return to good health and every luck for future endeavours for himself and his family. On my own behalf, I wish to thank Tom for his personal support to me in my career over the years.
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