Posted online: Jul 7th, 2010

By Claudia Kennedy
reporter

A large gathering of well wishers including the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan descended on Bundoran at the weekend to mark Cllr Sean McEniff’s 50 years in politics.
It was a magnificent moment for the Bundoran Town and Donegal Co. Councillor who celebrated this wonderful milestone among friends, family, local well wishers, TDs and Senators at the Allingham Arms Hotel on Friday night.
A panel of esteemed guest speakers spoke with fondness and respect of their political partnerships with Mr McEniff over the past five decades.
An Tanaiste, Mary Coughlan recalled her treasured memories of her working relationship with Sean and praised his commitment, dedication, strength and determination in his 50 years in politics. She also spoke of Sean’s great energy and drive. “If you need to contact Sean you must do so early in the morning. He will walk Roughey at 7am, return home begin his constituency work and have all done by 11am. A sign of the man’s efficient nature.”
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen also expressed admiration for the veteran Fianna Fáil Cllr:
“This is a man who has lived through a lot of changes, different leaders, the troubles and now a recession and who is still standing and fighting,” he said.
Cllr McEniff is one of the country’s longest serving councillors having first been elected in 1960 and made history last month when he was re-elected as Chairman of Bundoran Town Council for the 26th time.
As well as politics, Mr McEniff has also been involved in the tourism industry, both locally and nationally for over three decades. He was named Donegal Person of the Year in 1996, a title that was also bestowed on his brother Brian. His political record also includes spells as Chairman of North West Tourism, Director of Board Fáilte and Chairperson of the North Western Health Board.
During his visit to the seaside town, Mr Cowen also stated strongly that this country will return stronger out of the global recession.
“The Fianna Fáil party are making tough decisions and unpopular decisions for the good of the nation, our economy, our future and our children.”