Jim Townsend (Irish politician) facts for kids

James Townsend (born 20 June 1937 – died 6 January 2021) was an Irish politician. He was a member of the Labour Party and also served as a senator. A politician is someone who works in government, making decisions and laws for the people.

Who Was James Townsend?

James Townsend was an important person in Irish politics, especially in his local area of Carlow. He spent many years working to help the people of his county. He was part of the Labour Party, which is a political group that aims to improve life for working people and families.

Starting in Politics

Mr. Townsend first tried to become a national politician in 1981. He ran for the Labour Party in an area called Carlow–Kilkenny during the 1981 Irish general election. A general election is when people across the country vote for who they want to represent them in the government. He didn't win that election, getting about 2% of the votes.

Helping His Local Area

Even though he wasn't elected nationally at first, James Townsend continued to work hard for his community. In 1991, he was elected to the Carlow County Council. A county council is a group of people who make decisions about local services, like roads, housing, and libraries, for a specific county. He represented the Muine Bheag area.

He also served on the Carlow Town Council, which focuses on the needs of the town itself. He even became the Cathaoirleach (pronounced "Ka-heer-lock") of the county council. This means he was the chairperson, leading the meetings and representing the council.

Working in the Seanad

In 1993, James Townsend was chosen to be a member of the Seanad Éireann. The Seanad Éireann is like the second house of the Irish parliament, similar to a Senate in other countries. It helps to review and discuss new laws. He served one term there, helping to shape national decisions.

Later Elections and Legacy

After his time in the Seanad, Mr. Townsend tried again to be elected to the national parliament in 1997, 2002, and 2007. However, he was not successful in these elections.

James Townsend passed away on 6 January 2021, at the age of 83. He is remembered for his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve life for people in Carlow and across Ireland.