Pat Hussey (b. 1947)

Track 1: Pat Hussey was elected to Tralee Town Council in 2004, and at present he holds the title of Mayor of Tralee. He discusses his reasons for originally joining the Fine Gael party, and he outlines his Abbeydorney farming background. He relocated to Tralee in 1973 and he discusses his working life in the town over the years. Track 2: A member of Fine Gael for 35 years, he explains that he was always very active in the party, helping to get others elected and he points out that this was never easy in Tralee. He also discusses the challenges and successes of his political life. Track 3: The monthly Council meetings, the infrastructure in the town, the shared responsibility between the Town Council and Kerry County Council, the budget and its dispersal are all discussed, and he emphasises the fact that all twelve Councillors continuously work for the betterment of the town. The twinning of the town of Tralee with towns abroad, and its benefits are also discussed, as are the benefits accruing from the new Tralee Chamber Alliance. Work on the walkways and cycleways in the town in which Pat Hussey was involved is discussed. Track 4: He describes his feelings on being the last Mayor of Tralee under the present regime, and he recalls the highlights of his tenure in this position. He also explains his decision not to run for re-election and speaks of his disappointment at not being nominated to run by the Fine Gael party.