He says councillors work for the people 24/7.
The Mayor of Athlone is welcoming a proposed pay rise for county councillors- as long as its in line with other areas of the public sector.
Councillors salaries could increase by 47% in 2020, rising from €17,000 a year to €25,000, according to the Irish Examiner.
Fianna Fáil's Frankie Keena says the job requires enormous amounts of commitment and involves working around the clock.
He feels improved pay would make local politics more appealing and, in turn, raise standards.
But the Westmeath councillor says many other members of the public sector are working for low pay, particularly the Defence Forces:
Two Men In Court Over Westmeath Assault
Offaly Man Reflects On Meeting Brad Pitt In the 90's
Laois Soccer Club Marks 60th Anniversary with 12 Hour Football Marathon
Glow In The Dark Sliotar Wins Student Enterprise Finals
Tanaiste Congratulates Laois School On Robotics Award
Bike Week Kicks Off In Laois Tomorrow
Two Men Jailed After Brutal Attack On Vulnerable Midlands Resident
Rose Of Tralee To Lead Darkness Into Light Walk In Laois Town
Midlands Actor Cast As John Lennon In New BBC Beatles Drama
Irish Rail To Provide Extra Services For Leinster Football Final
SIPTU Members At Offaly Sterilisation Plant To Take Strike Action
Laois County Council Seeking New Funding For STEM Officer Role
Longford-Westmeath TD Welcomes New IDA Facility
Retired Postal Workers Stage Nationwide Protests Over Pension Disputes
Laois Rental Homes Issued Improvement Notices Following Inspections
IDA Commits To State-Of-The-Art Midlands Development
Medical Card Holders Cut Off From Dental Care
Plans For New Café Lodged In Westmeath
Two Ryanair Passengers Jailed And Fined €10k for Disruptive Behaviour
Communication And Safety Highlighted At National Older Peoples Convention