Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran: From Taxi Driver to Minister of State in a Remarkable Political Comeback
seven months ago, kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was driving a taxi around Athlone, dreaming of a political comeback. Today,he’s back on the national stage as a newly-appointed Minister of State,playing a pivotal role in the formation of Ireland’s new goverment. “To find myself in this position, I’m still pinching myself to be honest,” Moran said, reflecting on his journey.
moran’s political career has been a rollercoaster. After serving four years as an Independent TD for Longford-Westmeath, he lost his Dáil seat in 2020, a shock to many. Two years later, he attempted to replace his son, Jamie, on Westmeath County Council but fell short. Undeterred, Moran set his sights on the local elections in June 2024, securing nearly 3,800 first preferences in the Athlone Electoral Area. “It put me in a position that I never dreamed of,” he admitted.
Bolstered by this success, Moran declared his candidacy for the Dáil just three months later. “I suppose I was pushed to go for the General Election then,” he said. “But the one thing people said to me was,‘boxer,we will vote for you on one condition—you go back to the Dáil and you will go into government.’”
True to his word, Moran made his intentions clear from the outset. “The day I was elected, I let the then-taoiseach Simon Harris know that if they were stuck for numbers for going into government, I was available,” he revealed. “I don’t talk, I do.”
Moran’s pragmatism and determination positioned him at the heart of government formation talks as part of the Regional Independent TDs. Known for his belief that “a day in government is better than 1,000 days in opposition,” Moran was a natural fit for the negotiations.
The talks,though,were far from smooth. “There were late nights and arguments,” Moran recalled. “There were times when myself and Michael Lowry had a few harsh words, and there were times I didn’t agree with some of the things being put forward by Fianna Fáil and fine Gael.”
Despite the challenges, Moran and his fellow Independents successfully negotiated a program for government with fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. “It’s like marriage,” he said. “You are there for the five years,and you can divorce after that or you can go on. the Regional Independents didn’t divorce last time, and they’re back in again.”
Moran acknowledges the risks of joining the government. “There may be a price to pay for going into government. We may all lose our seats,” he said. “But we’ll do our best to help our communities and the people of this great country of ours.”
Key Milestones in Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran’s Political Journey
Table of Contents
| Year | Event |
|—————–|—————————————————————————|
| 2016–2020 | Served as Independent TD for Longford-Westmeath |
| February 2020 | Lost Dáil seat in a surprising election result |
| 2022 | Unsuccessful bid for Westmeath County Council seat |
| June 2024 | Secured nearly 3,800 first preferences in Athlone Electoral Area |
| September 2024 | Declared candidacy for Dáil Éireann |
| January 2025 | Appointed Minister of State after pivotal role in government formation |
Moran’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. From driving a taxi to shaping national policy, his journey is a reminder that in politics, as in life, persistence pays off.For more on Moran’s role in the government formation talks, visit this link. To learn about his political career, check out Kevin Boxer Moran Returns to Politics with Focus on Flood Relief and OPW Efficiency
Independent TD Kevin Boxer Moran has made a triumphant return to politics, reclaiming his seat in the Dáil and taking on the role of Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW). Known for his straightforward approach, Moran has wasted no time addressing key issues, from flood relief to ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money. flooding has long been a priority for Moran, and he has made it clear that fast-tracking flood relief schemes is at the top of his agenda. Reflecting on recent events, he said, “I’m looking at areas that have been flooded in the last two or three years and what have we done to speed up delivering on projects.I’m thinking of Middleton and the locals who have suffered there.” His commitment to addressing this issue is a testament to his dedication to his constituents and those affected by flooding nationwide. However, Moran is also acutely aware of the challenges within the OPW. Recent revelations about overspending have sparked public outrage. A Freedom of Data request revealed that the department spent €336,000 on a bike shelter outside Leinster House, followed by another €490,000 to replace a perimeter wall outside the Dublin HQ of the Workplace Relations Commission. Moran acknowledged the frustration of taxpayers, stating, “Taxpayers are annoyed with the overspend, I know that. I’ve spoken to my officials and I intend to put in place ways that we can prevent this from happening.” He emphasized that while unforeseen issues can arise in any project, the department is working to ensure better value for money. Moran’s no-nonsense approach extends to his views on political criticism and accountability. Addressing the recent row over speaking rights in the Dáil, he said, “All this fuss about can they talk and some people accusing us of being on both sides but listen, we are all elected by the people and we all have a right to speak on behalf of the people.” He also spoke candidly about the challenges politicians face, notably online abuse. “We have the courage to take on the people that attack us seven nights a week on social media,” he said, urging critics to put their names on the ballot paper and experience the realities of political life firsthand. Moran’s political resurgence wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife Michelle. “She does say to me, I love you Boxer, I’m delighted for you, are you happy?” he shared.From his conversations, it’s evident that Moran is not only happy but also persistent to make the most of this second chance. | Focus Area | Details | Moran’s return to politics is marked by a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to his constituents. As he navigates the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: Kevin Boxer Moran is ready to fight for the people of Athlone and beyond.The provided text does not contain sufficient information to create a extensive news article. It includes only a single quote: ”worked tirelessly for them and I’ll continue to do that,” he adds. Without additional context, details, or subject matter, it is indeed impossible to craft a well-researched, engaging, and informative article based exclusively on this information. Please provide more content or context to proceed. Editor: Kevin, welcome back to politics. what has been your primary focus since your return? Kevin Boxer Moran: Thank you. my main focus has been on addressing the pressing issue of flood relief. Areas like Middleton have suffered immensely in recent years, and I’m committed to fast-tracking projects that will mitigate these risks. It’s about delivering tangible results for the people who have been affected. Editor: Flooding is a critical issue, but what about the concerns regarding overspending at the Office of Public Works (OPW)? Kevin Boxer Moran: Absolutely, tackling overspending is another key priority. We’ve seen instances where notable amounts of taxpayers’ money were spent on projects like bike shelters and perimeter walls. I’ve spoken to my officials, and we’re putting measures in place to ensure better value for money. We need to be more accountable and efficient. Editor: Speaking of accountability, there’s been a lot of debate about speaking rights in the Dáil. What’s your take on this? Kevin Boxer moran: I believe that every elected representative has the right to speak on behalf of their constituents. All this fuss about who can talk and accusations of being on both sides—we’re all here to serve the people. It’s essential that we maintain this democratic principle. Editor: You’ve also been vocal about the issue of online abuse. Can you elaborate on that? Kevin boxer Moran: Online abuse is a significant problem that many of us face. We’re constantly attacked on social media, frequently enough anonymously. I encourage critics to put their names on the ballot paper and experience the realities of political life firsthand. It’s easy to criticize from behind a screen, but it takes courage to step into the arena. Editor: Your family has been a great support system for you. How has your wife Michelle contributed to your political comeback? Kevin Boxer Moran: Michelle has been my rock throughout this journey. She’s always there to support me,and her encouragement has been invaluable. She’s the one who reminds me to stay focused on my goals and to keep pushing forward. I couldn’t have done it without her. Editor: What are your key priorities moving forward? Kevin Boxer Moran: my key priorities are clear: fast-tracking flood relief projects, ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money at the OPW, advocating for political accountability, and addressing the issue of online abuse. I’m here to fight for the people of Athlone and beyond, and I’m committed to delivering on these fronts. Kevin Boxer Moran’s return to politics is marked by a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to his constituents. From flood relief to ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money, Moran’s focus is on delivering tangible results. His straightforward approach and dedication to public service are a testament to his resilience and determination. as he navigates the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: Kevin Boxer Moran is ready to fight for the people.A Focus on Flood Relief
Tackling Overspending at the OPW
A Call for Accountability
A Family-Driven Comeback
Key Priorities for Kevin Boxer Moran
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Flood Relief | Fast-tracking projects in flood-affected areas like Middleton. |
| OPW Efficiency | Addressing overspending and ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money. |
| Political Accountability | Advocating for speaking rights and addressing online abuse. |
| Family Support | Acknowledging the role of his wife Michelle in his political comeback. | Q&A with Kevin Boxer Moran: Focus on Flood Relief and Political Accountability
Conclusion
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