Patrick is latest in line of Scarteens

KEVIN HUGHES khughes@kerryman.ie

HIS father Michael has trawled the corridors of local power for some 36 years, his grandfather Patrick and granduncle Tim have been there too. There's a strong family tradition that dates back to the War of Independence and the foundation of the State. Now Patrick Connor Scarteen continues that political lineage following a resounding first time vote in the Killorglin Electoral Area at the weekend.

Co-opted into his father's seat, Patrick Connor Scarteen grew his own political legs on June 5 and with over 2,000 first preference votes they'll give plenty of mileage. Indeed, his father polled just 9.6 per cent of the first preference vote back in 2004, taking the constituency's fifth seat despite a deficit of 500 votes to PJ Donovan. Patrick enters the local arena with some 14.6 per cent, reaching the quota on the fourth count.

The newly-elected Kenmare representative says that the rise in support for the local dynasty is down to the close shave last time out.

"We got a shock in 2004. Kenmare came extremely close to losing its seat which had been in existence for over 70 years – to another town," he told The Kerryman.

"That was through no fault of our own but purely because of the population would have been the smallest of the three towns in the electoral area. Candidates split the vote and there would have been a sense of complacency as people thought we were okay, being there for years. After the count, people realised that they can't take the Kenmare seat for granted."

The latest Connor Scarteen said he hopes to bring a fresh approach to the local scene but will be using his father's experience at first. Issues he campaigned on include tourism and health care, subjects very much in the local agenda in the south Kerry town.

"We need to be more aggressive in terms of the marketing of south Kerry as a tourist destination, especially in markets such as North America, and help make it Ireland's premier tourist destination," the Kenmare man stated just minutes after his election.

And he touched on services at Kerry General, stating that the government – and those who support the government – hadn't delivered. He added that the Kenmare Hospital debate that was voiced loudest on the doorsteps.

"It's unfortunate that during the boom times, when money was more readily available, that we couldn't secure a new hospital for Kenmare. It's essential, especially for the elderly people within a 20-mile radius of Kenmare, to have someone that they can be looked after locally."

Watching on was his father Michael. So will he miss the cut and thrust of local politics?

"I won't miss it as I'm still in contact with the council in the sense that I'm helping Patrick and guiding him in various departments," Michael replied.

"I also intend to go to the odd council meeting in the public gallery and I like to listen to proceedings."

Looks like this dynasty is there for a while.