A meeting of Donegal County Council was adjourned today as a mark of respect to the late Inishowen Councillor Bernard McGuinness.
Cllr McGuinness passed away on 28th August at the age of 77.
The Inishowen publican was a veteran politician and a proud member of the Fine Gael party.
County Councillors adjourned their plenary meeting today to remember their late colleague.
A minute’s silence was held and tributes and stories were shared from across all parties and areas.
“We will miss him sorely,” Cllr Nicholas Crossan told members. Cllr Crossan was among the many councillors who highlighted Cllr Mc Guinness’s great character, his hard-working nature and his esteem in Inishowen.
In his 42 years in council, Cllr Mc Guinness never lost his seat in election battles. His many battles in the council chamber were also fondly recalled by members today.
Fellow Fine Gael member Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said: “He was a unique individual, full of mischief, full of divilment. He had a great sense of humour, he loved life, he loved politics, he loved the banter and to fight his corner and was he always prepared to have a good laugh about it afterwards.”
Councillors also highlighted Cllr Mc Guinness’s dedication to the Mica Redress and his work to make the scheme right for homeowners.
Chief Executive Officer of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin, paid tribute to Cllr Mc Guinness’s professional and astute approach to council business. His intuition and his instinct, Mr McLaughlin said, were greatly valued.
Members also shared a sense of shock at their colleague’s sudden passing last month, and expressed sincere condolences to Cllr Mc Guinness’s bereaved wife Jan, and their children Maria, Johnny, Jean, Ross and Gregory.
Cathaoirleach Jack Murray led the minute’s silence, and suggested that a recording of today’s tributes would be sent to Cllr Mc Guinness’s family along with a letter of condolence.
May he rest in peace
