Mayor Praises 'The Poet of the People' Martin Forde

04/12/2009 -

Mayor Councillor Jim McGarry has called Martin Forde’s newly published book of poetry ‘a hugely and enjoyable rewarding slice of life’ The Mayor was speaking at the launch of Martin’s book at City Hall.

According to the Mayor, ‘Martin has a real sense of empathy and understanding with the world in general, and more specifically with the town in which he lives. Martin’s pride in his native town is clear for all to see, and this has manifested itself in many ways, and not solely through his poetry. He has always shown a keen interest in politics, he has his finger on the pulse of popular opinion and is not afraid to express very unique views and opinions. Martin is not just a passive observer of Sligo life, he is a committed activist on a range of local causes and he has a proven ability to articulate his views very clearly and consistently.’

- Mayor Councillor Jim McGarry with Martin Forde, family and friends in City Hall

The Mayor feels that ‘people like Martin Forde very forcibly challenge the status quo, and through his work he demonstrates that poetry is a universal language, and that it can be an enormously powerful medium in shaping and changing people’s perception of reality.’

The Mayor concluded his address by recommending it to the general public. ‘He conveys his intuitive understanding of a variety of topics, from family, politics to travel and religion. His objective in all his poetry is to unlock the mind and set free our imagination, and people who take the time to read this book will find it enjoyable and inspirational.’

- Martin Forde signs the Distinguished Visitors Book with Fr. Domonic Gillooly