Waterford politicians have paid tribute to Independent Councillor Davy Daniels who died yesterday (Tuesday).
He was one of the longest serving Councillors in Ireland, having first been elected in 1974. He successfully contested nine local elections.
The St. Alphonsus Road native lived in Viewmount Park and represented Waterford City East.
He served as Mayor of Waterford City on three occasions (1987, 2000 and 2005) and Metropolitan Mayor in 2020.
Councillor Daniels had the distinction of serving on Waterford Corporation, Waterford City Council, and the amalgamated Waterford City & County Council.
"He never failed to be re-elected and for many years he topped the poll here in Waterford," current Mayor of Waterford City & County Council Fianna Fáil's John O'Leary told WLR News.
"He cared deeply for the people he represented and he never tired of fighting for the most vulnerable in society."
Mayor O'Leary described Councillor Daniels as being "on top of all the issues".
"When Davy asked questions, he always expected answers," he said. "He wasn't happy to accept anything but the best for those he represented."
Independent Councillor Joe Kelly said there was "a great sense of sadness" when news of Councillor Daniels' death emerged.
"We had heard earlier in the week that Davy was unwell. We were all praying for him to recover."
He said Councillor Daniels enjoyed the "cut and thrust of politics" and was known "the length and breadth of Ireland".
"His loss is going to be felt around the country. He was a man who dedicated his life to local democracy," he said.
"He stood by his principles and if he felt something was wrong he called it out."
Fine Gael Senator John Cummins described Councillor Daniels as "a very hard working and committed public representative" who gave "unbelievable service to his constituents, community and city".
Cllr Davy Daniels pictured with family members at the 2019 local election count at WIT Arena, Carriganore.
Sinn Féin TD, David Cullinane, remembered him as a "genuine, warm, funny but above all an excellent public representative."
"He always had a kind word. I will miss him greatly," he said.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor John Hearne described Councillor Daniels as the "father" of Waterford.
"If ever Waterford City had a father it was Davy. He knew everyone. Talked to everyone. Listened to everyone and worked for everyone. To be in politics and never fall out with anyone, and to be elected nine times, is extraordinary. His word was his bond. We will never see the extraordinary service he gave to Waterford again."
In a 2019 interview, ahead of that year's local elections, Councillor Daniels reflected on the role of a local councillor.
"You're a public representative and that's what it means - you're a representative of the public," he said. "You give your full commitment to public life and it's important to be able to help people whenever it's needed. You're on the ground so you're meeting people regularly and you know exactly what's happening. You know the thoughts and concerns of people."
Councillor Daniels was actively involved with the quest to secure cardiac care services at University Hospital Waterford since the announcement of the campaign and was one of the first councillors to table a motion on the issue in 2014.
His sister, Mary Coughlan, is one of the leading campaigners on the issue and has been to the forefront of all the activities which have taken place locally and nationally to highlight the cause.
Cllr Davy Daniels pictured supporting the '24/7 Cardiac Cover for the South-East' campaign with his wife Mary, sister Mary Coughlan and Willie Doyle.
Working as an advertising executive with The Munster Express for many years, Councillor Daniels was a familiar sight around Waterford and was attuned to the issues facing the local area.
He took a keen interest in obtaining university status for Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and regularly highlighted issues relating to Waterford Regional Airport.
In particular, he took great pride in Waterford's People's Park and enjoyed seeing developments taking place at the popular amenity.
Although a city man born and bred, he was passionate about rural affairs and had a close connection with the farming community.
A great sports lover, he enjoyed assisting local sports groups as well as various community organisations. In a statement, Ballinakill Downs Residents Association Committee described him as "a stalwart for Waterford" who "pushed boundaries to get things done, not only for Waterford and its environs but for the people of Waterford, from the youths through to our elders."
Although approached on a number of occasions to enter national politics, Councillor Daniels always maintained that his priority was to Waterford and the local area.
"I'm so grateful and so lucky to have had such fantastic support from family and constituents," he said. "It's something I never take for granted."
He is survived by his wife Mary, their sons Liam and David, grandchildren, sister Mary, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
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