Fine Gael candidates dominate Newbridge LEA at Kildare Local Elections 2024
Local Elections 2024 recap
It was a good day for Fine Gael in Newbridge, as its two county councillors will retain their seats.
Both Tracey O’Dwyer and Peggy O'Dwyer will remain as councillors for the Newbridge Local Electoral Area (LEA).
Tracey O’Dwyer received 2,084 votes, and Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer received 2,016 votes, both on Count 1.
The quota for votes was 1,664 for the Newbridge LEA.
Commenting on her success, Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer told the Leinster Leader: "I am delighted: I am delighted for the voters and also delighted for my family, who I would like to thank for their support.
"It is a great day for Fine Gael: five years ago, I promised that I would work hard and do my best (for Newbridge), and five years later, I am committed to make the same promise."
Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer also told the Leader: "I feel relieved, to be honest!"
"I am absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to work for my community again."
She added: "Fine Gael seems to be doing well in this election.
"However, local and general elections are different; local elections are more about the person, as it should be, so I wouldn’t read too much into it."
Another Cllr who retained his seat on Kildare County Council was Social Democrats Chris Pender.
Elected on Count 6, he received a total of 1,668 votes.
Cllr Pender was seen hugging family members, friends and colleagues upon hearing the news of his success.
Speaking to the Leinster Leader about how he felt, Cllr Pender jokingly replied: "Tired! I feel wonderful... I just wish it was done quicker!"
Cllr Pender then proceeded to merrily sing a line from the chorus of 'Everything is Awesome' from The Lego Movie: "Everything is awesome when you’re part of a team!"
Among the candidates eliminated were: Ronan Maher (Green Party), Leanne Ní Neill (Independent), Terri Thorpe (Sinn Féin), Aina Conway (Labour Party), Chris McCormack (Independent), James Garvin (Independent) and James Stokes (Sinn Féin).
RECOUNT
However, councillors and attendees alike were shocked when it was announced at around 1.45pm on Monday, June 10 last that a recount had been requested for the Newbridge LEA.
Returning Officer Eoghan Ryan said that this count would start at 3pm, after a short lunch break for the counting staff.
Eventually, the count resumed on Tuesday, June 11, but later that evening, a second election recount was announced for the Newbridge LEA.
The first recount was requested by Sinn Féin candidate James Stokes, and the second recount was requested by Sinn Féin.
A third recount was then announced and will resume in the Newbridge LEA this morning: the last remaining seats to be filled in the Local Elections 2024.
To keep up to date with the Local Elections in County Kildare, visit: https://www.leinsterleader.ie/section/1094/kildare-elections
Note: This article is accurate as of 11am on June 12, 2024.