What will almost amount to a Fine Gael rally takes place in Clonmel, Co Tipperary today in the presence of the President, Mrs McAleese. Local deputy Theresa Ahearn was asked by the family of Gen Richard Mulcahy (former chief of staff, minister and FG leader) about the possibility of establishing a memorial to him. She suggested a park and, with £200,000 in funding from the family and support from local firms, the park on the Waterford Road with arboretum and a specially commissioned bust of Mulcahy, who represented Tipp South from 1944-59, is now ready.
John Bruton will lead the FG contigent which will include Alan Dukes, whose father was private secretary to Gen Mulcahy, Munster MEP John Cushnahan, and former ministers Ted Nealon and Donal Carey. The Chief of Staff, Lieut Gen David Stapleton will also attend. Because electioneering will keep many of the faithful away, a full meeting of the FG parliamentary party is to be held in Clonmel in September so they can all visit the Richard Mulcahy Town Park and pay homage.