A Tribute to Ald. Joe Doyle
(Originally published in News 4
A Tribute To Joe Doyle
By Dermot Lacey
On June 12th next, for the first time since 1979, this area will no longer be represented at either Dublin City Council or in the Dail or Seanad by Joe Doyle.
It is quite simply a record of twenty-five years unbroken, dedicated and honest service to the people of our community. It will bring to a conclusion a proud and distinguished record of service to the people of the Pembroke ward and Dublin South East that Joe should be proud of.
Whilst Joe and I are supporters, activists and elected representatives for two different political parties, I have long respected his integrity and commitment to achieving what he believed was best for the people he represented. In many ways Joe as a politician is the epitome of the historic mandate of Fine Gael- honourable, conservative, compassionate and committed to the democratic institutions of our State.
Growing up, Joe and I lived yards from each other and our paths crossed many times before both pursuing an active role in politics. Joe was a member of Donnybrook Scout Unit for many years- something I still am. He was also Sacristan at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook, when I was an altar boy. We had many discussions, disagreements and debates over the years. From time to time we even agreed with each other.
During the 1980s, on what were referred to as the great social agenda issues, Joe, under significant pressure from within his own Party and influenced considerably by a deep Christian faith, took highly principled positions. Many of us, on both sides of those campaigns, could respect his stand as being honest, compassionate and heartfelt.
This compassion was given the opportunity to express itself in a very meaningful way when as Chairman of the Housing Committee of (the then) Dublin Corporation he was part of a majority on the Council pushing for more public housing and the upgrading of the existing housing stock. It is not Joe’s fault that, as he leaves office, there has never been a greater need for more public housing and less commitment from Government to provide it.
As Chairman of the Planning Committee he efficiently and expeditiously piloted through the City Development Plan that contributed much to the rejuvenation of our capital City.
As Lord Mayor, an honour that I know Joe deeply valued, he was instrumental in publishing a series of information leaflets for many new immigrants to our country in their own language. This practical measure was typical of this practical politician. While others preached their creed of Political Correctness, Joe simply delivered.
Too often in politics it is only when someone has departed this life that their work is publicly acknowledged by their colleagues and friends across the political parties. On this occasion, as a fellow Donnybrooker, as someone like Joe who had the enormous honour of serving as Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin and as someone who will never forget the trust conferred by the ballot box, I want to say ‘Thank You Joe’.
As a constituent and, I hope as a friend, I want to say ‘Thank You’ also to Joe’s wife Peggy for her kindness and courtesy on many occasions. I hope that together with your family you can now enjoy a long, active and fulfilled retirement.
Above all, at a time when the noble vocation of politics is perhaps at an all-time low, I want to say to Alderman Joe Doyle ‘Thank You for giving politics a good name’.
