Freeman of Galway City and Chicago businessman Billy Lawless has become the first person living abroad to be appointed to the Seanad.
Billy was elevated to the second house of the Oireachtas by Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his tireless work on behalf of Irish emigrants seeking legalization in their adopted home. He is also campaigning for their right to vote in Irish elections.
“Fantastic, absolutely fantastic, it’s an absolutely incredible honour,” enthused Billy over the phone from Chicago about his nomination.
Billy, 65, is about to open his fifth pub and restaurant with his family but had already taken a step back from the day-to-day running of the successful establishments.
The Taoiseach rang him last Friday to offer him the role while he was in Ireland for a regular visit.
“I was taken by surprise, especially because of all the people, the TDs and senators, who lost their seats. I was appointed as far as I understand it to represent the Irish immigrants in the US. But over the next while, I’ll get the brief on what’s expected,” he stated.
“With me having the title of Senator, it will open more doors here rather than as an ordinary lobbyist on behalf of the Irish undocumented. I have a good rapport with both parties but of course it will open more doors and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Media reports that he was given the role as payback for his hiring of the Taoiseach’s daughter during her J1 college experience were dismissed as “really petty” by the newly appointed senator.
“The amount of calls or emails all of us Irish people get from parents from January every year is huge. We take on a few ourselves, I have placed a lot of J1-ers in restaurants by the Lake and I didn’t care what party they were from,” he insisted.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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