Andrew Doyle has had a year to reflect on the outcome of the 2020 general election and has immersed himself in work on the family farm in Roundwood since he lost his position in the Dáil.
Now, almost a year after Election Day, Andrew remains optimistic about the outcome.
“You just have to get over it,” he says. “I had already made good choices and you just have to take the good with the bad. You put everything into the pick and it’s great when you win and very disappointing when you don’t.
“There is always a sense of anti-climax after an election, regardless of whether you win or lose. Of course there was a lot of disappointment, but the way the year ended was almost a relief.
“It’s like having a big backpack taken off your back after 21 years. In a strange way, Covid also quickly took my mind off things.
“You have to take the hard with the soft. We saw in the US elections what happens when the democratic will of the people is not respected.
“If you don’t respect the will of the people, then we are no different than the other countries that we give and send observers to during their elections.”
A life in politics was not something Andrew envisioned in his youth.
“It wasn’t something I would have imagined when I was little and it was never one of my goals,” he says. “I had some health issues when I was in my early 30s and a TD at 47. I never planned any of that, but it was a great honor and privilege.”
He is not envious of the current government trying to cope with the deployment of vaccines as Covid cases continue to rise.
“It is not easy for those responsible. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. I think the first closing was easier for everyone to accept, ”he says.
“Everything was new to the people and they weren’t sure what to expect. Now more fatigue has appeared. People have lost their jobs or their jobs are in danger and public representatives carry that burden with them. “
Andrew He has plenty to keep busy on the farm, which has been in his family for five generations.
“When you are on a farm, there is always a lot to do. I was also very aware of Covid, ”he says.
“I have some underlying health problems and we also have family members involved on the front line. Farm work took up a large part of my time.
“During the confinement we discovered a lot of work to do.
“I am also about to form an agricultural partnership with one of my sons and we will rent more land. I will mainly be there for advice and as a mentor.
Occupied
“We also brought many calves, which I raised. Anyway, I’ve been busy. Agriculture is occupying my time.
“I am doing an online course on bioeconomics, which is something that I am very passionate about.
“Our land use can have a major impact on climate change. The bioeconomy is the way to go. Many fossil bases can be replaced by biobase. It’s something that could occupy me for some time. “
Still, without the workload of a minister, you can see a lot more of your family.
“I have a lot more time with my family,” he says. “Since the election, I have spent most nights in our family room. I wouldn’t have spent one night a week in that room before. “