Proud Ring happy to back among his own as fully-fledged Minister

ALL SMILES Minister Michael Ring pictured with delighted family members, from left: Suzanne McGreal (daughter), Niamh Donovan, Rory McGreal (grandson), Lorna Collins, Paula Burke (daughter) and Viola McGreal.

Homecoming
Michael Duffy

WAS it any wonder he was smiling from ear to ear? After 23 years representing the people of Westport and Mayo as a TD, six of those as a Junior Minister, Michael Ring was back among his own on Thursday evening last as a fully-fledged front bench Minister, and there was no doubt he was one proud Covie!
There have been plenty of homecomings for Deputy Ring in his long and illustrious political career, but this one was different. He may have broken records with his ability to pull first preference votes from boxes across the county but many doubted if his popularity would ever be recognised with a full ministerial position. But yet again, he proved those doubters wrong and it’s a portfolio that he will revel in as he settles into his position as Minister for Rural and Community Affairs.
Minister Ring arrived on time on Thursday evening, with the State car pulling up shortly after 9pm outside the Castlecourt Hotel. Everyone was there to shake the minister’s hand and he duly obliged, before entering the Dome Suite to loud cheers together with his wife and loyal lieutenant, Ann. The former bread-man was undoubtedly emotional too. He was back among his own, with the hard workers who he had soldiered with for many decades.
Shane McGuire, Chairman of Westport Fine Gael was the Master of Ceremonies for the official speeches with Senator Paddy Burke and Michelle Mulherin and councillors Tereasa McGuire and Gerry Coyle the chosen few to address the sizeable crowd.
Senators Burke and Mulherin are no doubt eyeing up a challenge for the DΡil, if as expected, former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, steps back from politics at the next election. Both spoke of their huge admiration for Michael Ring’s work ethic and how he was proof that hard work and loyalty to your constituents can get you a long way in politics.
Outside of his native Westport, the Barony of Erris has been very good to Michael Ring and a large Erris following were welcomed to the function by their own councillor Gerry Coyle, who has travelled the highways and byways of the county with Michael Ring throughout their political careers.

Popularity
Cllr Coyle referred to Michael Ring’s popularity outside of Fine Gael too, and specifically referred to the moment when the new minister was summoned to Leo Varadkar’s office on Wednesday to hear the good news, and the assembled media took to their feet to voice their approval.
Cllr Tereasa McGuire paid particular tribute to Michael’s wife Ann for her Trojan work throughout her husband’s political career, and she also paid tribute to all of Michael’s own family for their patience and generosity, as she was sure he had missed many families occasion due to his work serving the people of the locality.
The last speaker of the night was the man himself, and in typical Michael Ring style, he started his address by referencing two loyal supporters who were no longer with us, Tony Moore from Westport and James Coyle from Erris. Family members of both men were in attendance and they were clearly moved that the new Minister held both men in such high regard.
Minister Ring revealed it was shortly after 5.50pm when new Taoiseach Varadkar called him into his office to tell him he would be the new Minister for Rural and Community Affairs.
“It was a great honour to then go to the Áras and receive your Seal of Office and to sit for your first full Cabinet meeting, it’s a moment that I will never forget. The by-election will always stand out as we won that against all the odds but last night was very special and I thought about all the people, past and present, who helped get me where I am right now.”
Minister Ring revealed he wanted his new portfolio name changed to include the word ‘Rural’ and he said he has told the Taoiseach that he now wants proper resources invested in the department so rural Ireland can close the gaps on the counties on the east coast.