O'Loughlin said she remains "committed to community" despite heartbreaking General Election result
"I will continue to use my influence within my party to try and better our community"
Outgoing Senator Fiona O'Loughlin has said she remains community to her local community despite failing to win a seat in the General Election.
The Fianna Fáil stalwart polled 7,500 first preferences but lost out by 460 votes on the 12th count to Senator Mark Wall of the Labour Party.
Some observers believed O'Loughlin may retire from electoral politics after failing to be returned to the Dáil for the second consecutive General Election.
But in a newsletter issued today, the Rathangan native said she will continue to use her influence as a member of Fianna Fáil.
She said: "I was committed to our community before entering politics, and remain as committed now as I have ever been to playing a part in improving our area, from delivering a second bridge for Newbridge, to combatting illegal encampments on the Curragh, to seeing greater investment in our towns and villages, I want to see South Kildare grow, prosper and receive its fair share."
She added: "I will continue to use my influence within my party to try and better our community."
O'Loughlin also thanked all her friends, family, campaign team and canvassers for their support during the General Election campaign.
She said: I was humbled to get a 1st preference of vote of 7,500, however I was disappointed to have lost out narrowly despite receiving 17.9% of the 1st preferences, I was pipped to the post on transfers by just 460 votes on the 12th count."
She also wished the newly elected TDs the very best for the term ahead.