Cathal Foley (b. 1974)

Track 1: Cathal Foley was elected to Tralee Urban Council for Sinn Féin in 1999. He explains that he comes from a strong republican background and that his father, Johnny, came to Tralee from Caragh Lake to begin work in Tralee Footwear factory, later starting his own joinery business where he was later joined by his son. Cathal explains that he joined Sinn Féin in 1997, and a discussion follows on the party’s militant background. Track 2: When he was elected to Tralee Town Council in 1999, he brought a younger viewpoint to bear at Council meetings, he explains, and he discusses Council budgets and finance, council housing and the recent improvements carried out in the Mitchels area of the town. He explains the reasons for his decision not to seek re-election this year as an Independent canditate, and he gives his views on the proposed celebration of the Tralee Town Charter in 2012. Track 3: Cathal Foley discusses his role as a Town Councillor, the saving of Cloghers Lodge from demolition, the refusal of permission by the Council for the location of a Marks and Spencers store in Tralee, the market in the Square and the challenges encountered in relation to this venture. Track 4: The newly formed Tralee Chamber Alliance, on the board of which he was Council representative is mentioned, and the work of the local print media is critically explored. He also maintains that the disbandment of Tralee Urban Council is a negative move and that the work of the Council will only be appreciated fully in the future.