Shock as Vincent P. Martin resigns

Cllr. Vincent P. Martin of the Green Party has resigned his seat on Carrickmacross Town Council and is to step down from local politics to concentrate on his legal practice. The flamboyant councillor made the announcement at the end of the October Carrickmacross Town Council meeting. The Green Party can now co-opt a replacement. It is expected that may be previously unsuccessful Green Party candidate Darcy Lonergan, although she is currently studying green politics in the US on a year-long course. Cllr. Martin was first elected to Carrickmacross Town Council as an independent in 1999. He served two terms and was elected for a third in June. He was elected mayor of Carrickmacross in 2005/2006 and elected to Monaghan Co. Council in 2004, and joined the Green Parry when re-zoning concerns started to be raised nationally in 2006. Cllr. Martin lost his seat on Monaghan County Council in the June local elections this year. "Just to let you know that I am going to send a letter to the town clerk to say thank you to all here for the last 10 years on Carrickmacross Town Council," said Cllr. Martin in his resignation address. "After a great deal of thought I tender my resignation and now I just wish to thank you all in person for the absolute courtesy afforded to me over ten years on this council. "It has been a privilege to serve the town and I will continue to do so but not as a councillor. I will be keeping an eye on you all," he added. Cllr. Martin, a barrister by profession, also revealed that he became engaged to be married two days beforehand and now intended to turn his full attention to his growing legal practice. Cllr. Martin hoped that he had never offended anybody in chambers during meetings as comments he made were always party political. He paid tribute to the staff of Carrickmacross Town Council and made particular mention of their strong people skills. "I'm not leaving the community and I will continue to support Cllr. Kristina Jankaitiene and I'm sorry that I haven't got to know Cllr. Mark Clarke a little better," he said. It is understood that a major factor in Cllr. Martin's decision was the fact that he lost his county council seat in June. "Losing my county council seat gave me more time for my legal practice, which is getting busier," he told the meeting. Mayor Mary Kerr Conlon led the chamber in expressing her shock at the departure of Cllr. Martin from the political scene. "I'm sorry to hear that, Cllr. Martin. You were always a good friend of mine and we worked hard together," she said. Cllr. Matt Carthy was surprised by the announcement, although there had been a rumour. VP was always someone that you could have a heated discussion with but there was always an opportunity afterwards to break bread and to enjoy a drink together, he said. "We regularly had good motions here but VP often upstaged us, like when he announced that he was bringing Miss World to the town. I wish him the best," said Cllr. Carthy. Green councillor Kristina Jankaitiene said that she was sad to learn of Cllr. Martin's departure. "I also know that Cllr. Martin is a barrister and helps people in Carrickmacross and outside the county too. I wish him the best for the future," she said. Cllr. Padraig McNally pointed out that Cllr. Martin came from a long established Carrickmacross family. "What everybody can say about VP is that he's a gentleman. Never would anything come out of his mouth unless it was in a dignified manner. He entered politics without a family history in politics and that is a great achievement. Were it not for VP the Carrick Festival would never have got off the ground and he was also instrumental in getting the farmers market and the Allotment society started. I hold him in high esteem," said Cllr. McNally. Cllr. Teresa Carolan said that Cllr. Martin was a friend and gentleman who was never afraid to take a standpoint. Cllr. Noel Keelan added: "You can hold your head up high that you have done your town some service, Cllr. Martin." Cllr. PJ O'Hanlon described Cllr. VP Martin as a breath of fresh air. "You're very sincere and you will be a big loss, Vincent," stated Cllr. O'Hanlon. Cllr. Mark Clarke described Cllr. Martin as a highly motivated individual. Town manager Paul Clifford added: "I'm saddened and wish you the best. Thank you for your co-operation," he said. Monaghan county manager, Declan Nelson, who was also present, said that he wished to echo what was already said about Cllr. Martin. "Your courtesy and commitment is commendable," he said. Mr. Nelson made particular mention of Cllr. Martin's lone standpoint on planning matters, particularly on Monaghan Co. Council when he was what Mr. Nelson referred to as a minority of one because he believed that standpoint was right. "You are to be commended for that type of courage," said the county manager. Cavan/Monaghan Greens chairman Brian Connolly ruled himself of out the running when asked about a replacement councillor. "I'm more than content in my job as chairman of the Cavan/Monaghan Green branch. As a councillor, Vincent P. Martin was a fearless public representative of immense ability who was never afraid to speak out for the people," he said. Mr. Connolly confirmed that he intends convening a meeting of the Cavan/Monaghan Green Party in the coming weeks to elect a replacement for Cllr. Martin on Carrickmacross Town Council.