Robert Dowds, Labour Party County Councillor,
Clondalkin Ward, South Dublin County Council.
Teacher, Scoil Mochua National School for the Physically Disabled, Clondalkin.

1. How I got involved in what I'm doing.

I've been an elected county councillor for Clondalkin since 1999. My interest in politics stems from two sources:
(a) The influence of a secondary teacher, Maurice O'Connell, who was himself a councillor and senator.
(b) My duty towards my neighbour as taught by Jesus Christ.

I've lived in Clondalkin since I married in 1982. As a developing area it suffers from more than its fair
share of unemployment, bad planning and social problems. Coupled with that it is a vibrant community with a lot going on. Therefore, it is both a challenge and a privilege to be one of its public
representatives.

2. The Rewards and Challenges to be overcome.

The main challenges stem from the fact that local government in Ireland is very weak which means that  some local issues which require tackling, e.g. provision of good public transport are almost impossible because the organisations who are largely responsible for them are non-elected. The rewards are seen when one helps someone or a community. Often these are small things, e.g. installation of ramps on roads, improvements to people's social housing but, occasionally, they are large, e.g. protecting the Round Tower site in Clondalkin so that that part of our cultural and Christian heritage can be enjoyed by future and present generations instead of being filled with apartments as almost happened, provision of sports facilities and a senior citizen facility in the centre of Clondalkin.

3. What motivates me?
 It's very hard to know yourself well enough to answer this. I'm sure I enjoy being in the limelight and
making decisions but I'd like to think I'm motivated by a sense of justice for all and, a love of my
neighbour as Christ exhorted us to do as well.

4. Message for others who are interested in being involved in their communities.
 Get involved in whatever way you feel able to do so whether in church activities, sport, drama, politics etc. From a secular viewpoint, you are improving your community and reaping personal satisfaction too.
From a religious viewpoint, you are surely doing God's work by showing love and consideration for
those around you.

5. What influence does the Church/ my beliefs have on what I do.
 I hope it influences me to do my best for those I serve whether as a councillor, parent/husband or
teacher.  Earlier in my life, e.g. in the 1970's, I think I might have got more directly involved in strictly
church activities if the Church of Ireland at that time had not been so inward looking. Hopefully it is
improving in that respect though I think it has a long journey to travel yet in terms of being a church out-reaching to the community.

6. High points and low points.

I am very fortunate to have a teaching job I really enjoy which is also, in a sense, a community job. With both teaching and local politics, there are high points and low points. I've mainly pointed to the positives but there are negatives. As a teacher and councillor, I sometimes meet people in very difficult situations, e.g. a death in our school or someone suffering from severe anti-social behaviour. However, even in those circumstances, it is still a privilege to meet the people involved and, when possible, to do something to help. A wonderful high point was being mayor, 2005-6.

Beir bua is beannacht,
 Robert Dowds