Fine Gael’s newest member of Tipperary County Council says his co-option to the local authority comes at an opportune time.
Tom Acheson was previously elected to South Tipperary County Council in 2009 but chose not to contest the 2014 election to the merged countywide body.
Following the election of Michael Murphy to the Dáil his seat in the Clonmel Borough District became vacant with Fine Gael selecting Tom Acheson last night.
He told Tipp Today earlier he retires from his position with MSD tomorrow leaving him free to dedicate himself to the council.
“I’ve time and I’ve energy and thankfully I’m in good health. I’m going to give it my best shot. Local involvement is fantastic – I’ve always been involved in committees. Not all my ideas come to fruition – they’re not all good ideas. I don’t have a monopoly on good ideas but I’m of the belief that if you have ideas and you have a bit of passion why not step up to the plate and do something about it.”
Tom says it’s important for both Councillors and local authority staff to work together for the betterment of the Premier county.
“I’m not a person that rolls over easy – I have strong opinions and strong ideas. But you have to be prepared to work with people. If you try and get a steamroller and knock down City Hall what are you going to achieve? You knock down City Hall alright but you’ll achieve nothing.
“And those people inside there (Council officials) they go in every day to do the very best they can and we as Councillors can support that. I’m not saying that I agree every policy that comes out of the County Council but once people are proactive I certainly will be supportive of them.”
