Munster gets new representative in Europe

MUNSTER has a new political representative in Europe — although the province’s MEPs like Brian Crowley, Kathy Sinnott and Colm Burke needn’t worry about fresh competition for their seats just yet.

Colm Garvey, a 42-year-old export sales executive from Ireland, was recently elected as councillor for Munster — a small picturesque town in the north-east of France close to the German border — during the recent French local elections.

A father of four, Colm has been living in the Alsace region of France, where his wife, Anne-Catherine comes from, since 1999.

Originally from the Dublin suburb of Blackrock, he was attracted to local French politics after reading a satirical magazine published in Munster by the opposition leader of the outgoing town council, Pierre Dischinger.

“I went along to a public meeting and couldn’t keep my mouth shut by making what I hoped was constructive criticism,” laughs Colm.

He subsequently agreed to stand for the non-aligned “Une Chance pour Munster” party in the recent local elections which are based on a list system where voters give their No 1 preference to parties, rather than individuals.

“I think the group liked the idea of having me as a foreigner as it sends out a message of openness,” said Colm. He explained that his interest in Munster politics was motivated by attempts to counteract the widespread pessimism in the region which has suffered the closure of many traditional industries in recent decades.

“Local people have become very negative about the future of the region as Munster is at the end of a valley in the Vosges mountains.

“I’ve cited the example of how Ireland has managed to attract new business despite being at the edge of the EU and I hope to show the people of Munster that they can do the same. Geographic location does not have to be an important factor in the success of a business, but we need to go out and proactively court entrepreneurs to set up here.”

Colm’s party now controls 19 of the 27 seats on the town council in Munster, although he was annoyed to see the group branded as “right-wing” in one local newspaper.

“We’re a group working for the local community without any of the traditional political affiliations,” he said.

Colm aims to use his membership of the council to promote environmental issues, particularly the area of renewable energy. He also hopes to raise the profile of Munster as a tourism destination.

“Irish people wouldn’t normally consider this part of the world for a holiday, but anyone from home who has visited me has been surprised at how beautiful it is and the many attractions it has to offer.”

Munster itself has a strong association with Ireland as it derived its name from Irish monks who founded a monastery there in the 7th century. However, the town, which has a population of 5,000, is perhaps most famous for being the home of a popular strong-smelling cheese of the same name.

Following his recent success, Colm claims any political ambition will be tamed by the fact that only French citizens can be elected mayor or deputy mayor at council level.

“The only other political office I can currently stand for is MEP,” he laughed.