Delvin's Fintan Bray elected to Fianna Fáil national executive
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has congratulated Fintan Bray on becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to be elected to a senior position in the Fianna Fáil Ard Chomhairle.
"We’re delighted and very grateful to have his input and representation in our party," said Mr Martin on Saturday.
It was a sentiment shared by many nationally, including FF’s Tourism and Aviation spokesperson, Cathal Crowe, TD, who said that the 28-year-old from Delvin, who chooses to focus on his "ability rather than disability", winning a seat on the national executive, was both inspiring and "deserving".
"Fintan ably competed against a field of candidates that included seasoned politicians and sitting national executive members."
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Fintan said he was "still in shock" about it all, but is looking forward to work that lies ahead.
"Everyone has been incredible and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens now. I’m looking forward to meeting people with disabilities all over Ireland. I’m hoping to get access to all education and gainful employment for everyone with Down Syndrome," he stated.
A shining example of what can be achieved, Fintan was educated in St Tola’s, Delvin, and St Finian’s College, Mullingar, before moving on to Cavan Institute.
He has worked in Clonabreany House in Meath for the last five years.
From a strong Fiann Fáil family, Fintan has been involved in the party for 13 years, and holds a post as quality officer with Meath West Ogra, and is a member of Fianna Fáil disability network.
He also sits on the Regional Advisory Council of Down Syndrome Ireland and on the National Council of Down Syndrome Ireland.
He has excelled in the world of sport, and won a bronze medal at the World Down Syndrome Swimming championships in Canada in 2018. He has also appeared on a Dancing with the Stars Sketch on RTÉ’s Comic Relief, and has previously spoken out about employment for people with Down Syndrome on the Last Word with Matt Cooper.
He has been working towards his political post since he was "a child".
"It really got going at the start of the pandemic in 2020, I began talking about access for education, to build a school in Athboy for further education," Fintan said.
"People with Down Syndrome haven’t had a voice for them before. I feel strongly that people need a voice for education and jobs, because I went through the exact same obstacles that others have to go through. I’ve been through education, in St Finian’s College and then Cavan Institute – now people are calling me, texting me, asking me to be a voice for them, for their children.
"I really feel incredibly privileged to have this voice, to have a say. It gives us the ability to speak up for ourselves. And I feel beyond grateful to be able to do this."
Fintan acknowledges that he could not have achieved this without the support of his family, parents Eamonn and Mari, and his siblings Kenneth, Fiachra and Caitriona, and the entire Bray family.
"They have always encouraged and supported me through everything. And I would like to sincerely thank them for all they have done.
"I also want to thank the Westmeath Fianna Fáil family, Robert Troy TD, who has supported me from day one. I’d also like to thank Donie Cassidy, Senator Aidan Davitt, and Cllr Paddy Hill for all the support they have shown me."