MINISTER for Education, Ruairi Quinn, revealed to a pupil that his greatest achievement in politics so far was ‘getting re-elected’.
The Minister was speaking during a Q&A session in Listellick NS, one of two Tralee schools he visited when in the county on Friday.
He went to Listellick NS on an invitation received from Principal Annette Dineen in February, following the storm damage that affected prefabs in the school. He was also there to discuss the building of a new school on a site nearby.
Minster for Education, Mr Ruairi Quinn (back, second from left) on a visit to Listellicl school on Friday afternoon. Included with him are back, from left; Deputy Arthur J Spring, Graham Spring, Senator Marie Moloney, Cllr Gillian Wharton Slattery and Principal of Listellick NS, Annette Dineen. From from left; Michaela Maunsell, Jennifer McLoughlin, Orla O’Brien, and Katie Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
MInister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, with Principal John O’Roarke on Friday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
During his visit he took in a Q&A session with one of the classes and student Jack Horgan asked the Minister, what was the his greatest achievement in politics to which the Minister replied with a smile; “getting re-elected”.
“It was great, he was very impressed with the students,” said Principal Annette Dineen regarding the Minister’s visit.
“He will look at the building program. We’re in for planning permission on a new site and we should know the timeframe by June 3,” said Ms Dineen.
Next the Minister and his entourage made their way to Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School. While there he chatted to Principal John O’Roarke about plans for a new extension to the school.
He also gave a speech to students, at one point telling them they need to “earn their place in the world” as Europe is no longer the power it was. He said they will face far greater competition from the likes of India and China than other generations before them.
“We have talked about it for quite sometime that he would come, it’s always great to see a Minister for Education in the school,” said Mr O’Roarke.
“We spoke about the new extension and the monies the Department of Education has allocated us for it. We’re basically trying to get that sorted out,” said the Principal.
Students listening to the Minister for Education on a visit to Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
