Norma Foley (b. 1970)

Track 1: Norma Foley describes her family background. Her father, Denis Foley, was born in the building in Day Place, Tralee which housed the Fianna Fáil headquarters where his parents were caretakers. Her mother, Hannah O’Halloran is a native of Ballyheigue. She discusses her father’s various roles in Fianna Fáil politics and she recalls standing on a butter box and addressing Mass-goers at election time in earlier days. Track 2: She discusses the differences between old school politics at local level and those of today, and she explains that she was elected to Tralee Urban District Council in 1994. Gender in local politics is also discussed as is the abbreviated terms used at Council meetings with which she had to quickly familiarise herself on her election. Track 3: A discussion on the support for Fianna Fáil in local government follows, and she explains that she serves on both the UDC and Kerry County Council. The management of the Town Council and agendas are also discussed, as are the engagement with management by all the councillors. The importance of getting the correct message from Council to the local media is emphasised. Track 4: In 2004, she was elected to Kerry County Council and she describes the cross-over in responsibilities between the two Councils. She discusses the work she undertook during her tenure as a member of Tralee UDC and as Mayor on two occasions, including Public and Private Partnership and her work with refugees from Kosovo and with asylum seekers. Track 5: The Rose of Tralee Festival and Tralee Races are mentioned, and the changes in the organisation of the Festival over the years are explored. Her own career as a post-primary teacher at Presentation School in Tralee is also mentioned, as are her views on the role of the Tralee Chamber Alliance. She welcomes the challenges which may arise following the establishment of the new Municipal Council.