He has served as a Councillor for almost 6 decades.
A midlands councillor who is set to retire this year, says life in politics is more difficult today than it was when he first stepped into it.
Fine Gael councillor Frank McDermott first became a candidate for Westmeath County Council in 1967.
After almost 60 years, he will not be contesting the upcoming elections this summer.
Councillor McDermott says today's candidates need to be people of the community, with their ground work done:
More EV Charging Power Needed In The Midlands
New aims include having chargers every 60km along the motorway network.
Efforts Made To Prevent Spoiled Votes In June's Elections
The last Local Election saw more than 108,000 votes spoiled.
Midlands Local Authorities Appoint New CEOs
Laois County Council have appointed a chief executive for the interim.
Community Centre Needed For Offaly Town
A LE Candidate wants to see more available in the area for teenagers and the elderly.
Calls For Expansion For Third Level Education In Laois
A LE Candidate says it would benefit students locally, nationally and internationally.
Some Learner Drivers Stay On the Road For Years With No Passed Test
The RSA is being urged to clam down on the issue.
Arrests Made Following Westmeath Burglary
Two men were detained at a Garda Station in the county.
Young People Priced Out Of Housing Market Says LE Candidate
More affordable housing is needed, he says.
Athlone Road Works Driving Footfall To Other Westmeath Towns - Local Business
A local business claims Athlone traffic has been good for them.
Lough REE RNLI Represented At Buckingham Palace
A Royal National Lifeboat Institution member attended the London garden party over the weekend.
Westmeath ATM Removal Leaving Residents With Minimal Access To Cash - LE Candidate
He claims people are left with no bank and no reliable ATM.
Decision On N4 Upgrade Route Expected This Year
The project received €1.44m in funding earlier this year.
Visitor Centre And Green Gym Set To Be Developed At 'Bog Beach'
The local authority launched a 10-year strategy for the area.
'Rigidity' Of HAP Leaves Domestic Abuse Victim In Athlone Emergency Accommodation For 18 Months
That's the claim from a local TD.
Concerns Raised With Speeding Levels In Rural Offaly
A Local Election Candidate claims people are asking for speed ramps to be installed.
€1.8m Overspend On Midlands Homeless Services Last Year
That's according to new figures from the Department of Housing.
Event In Offaly Celebrating Palestinian And Irish Culture
The event takes place this Saturday.
"Grave" Funding Situation For East Galway And Midlands Cancer Support Centre
Calls are being made by a TD for Government to step in.
Event In Laois To Pull 85 Tonnes In Aid Of Autism Charity
Anyone wanting to attend, or take part, can do so this Sunday.
First Millennial To Become A Saint - "God's Influencer"
The 15 year old passed away in 2006.
