Athy councillors pledge to work hard for people of area after election

It was all about Aoife Breslin in Athy last weekend as she stormed home with a poll topping 2,347 votes — the highest first preference vote in Kildare.

Labour were extremely happy as her party colleague Cllr Mark Leigh also retained his seat.

“I am deeply privileged and humbled. It’s not just about me, it’s about my family, my friends, the people of Athy,” said Cllr Beslin.

“It’s about all the people who worked so hard for me. The people of Athy have decided to put their faith in me and I will work my hardest for them for the next five years. It’s a great day for Athy.”

She said it was a strong result for the party in South Kildare.

Senator Mark Wall, and his father, former TD and Senator, Jack Wall were on hand to lend their support and congratulations.

Cllr Ivan Keatley (FG) got 1,638 first preference votes, just 20 short of the quota. With 27 transfers from Breslin’s surplus he was elected on the second count.

"I am thrilled to bits. A big debt of gratitude goes to the people of South Kildare, I am 13 years on the council and I am absolutely delighted to be back for another five years,” he said.

He said housing is a huge concern for people in his local constituency. He pledged to continue to work hard to ensure people in rural areas, small towns and villages are able to build their own homes so they can stay in their own communities.

It wasn’t until the tenth count that the last three seats were filled with Fianna Fail’s Cllr Brian Dooley ending up with 1,526 votes and Veralouise Behan with 1,474.

They were elected without reaching the quota, as was Cllr Leigh with 1,586 votes.

Willam Carton of Independent Ireland was in it right until the tenth count, but was too far behind with 1,401 votes.

So the status quo remains in Athy with all sitting councillors re-elected with two Labour, two Fianna Fail, and one Fine Gael politician representing Athy.

Sinn Fein has a good record in Athy, but by running two candidates, Thomas Redmond and Geraldine Campbell, their vote was somewhat diluted. By running just one candidate, they may have consolidated their vote and given themselves a better chance to win a seat.

The electorate for the area was 21,249 with a total poll of 10,066. The valid poll was 9,944 and the quota was 1,658.

And it’s all over for another five years, but with a general election looming, it may not be long before the election machine swings into action again.