Poll-topper Minister Peter Burke 'humbled' and he expects Longford's Micheál Carrigy to also take seat

Minister Peter Burke said he was "absolutely delighted" and humbled to be elected on the first count in the Longford-Westmeath constituency.

The Returning Officer for the Longford Westmeath constituency, announced that the first count of the General Election 2024 was in at 10.30pm on Saturday in Count John McCormack in Athlone.

As expected from the earlier tallies Fine Gael Minister Peter Burke was announced as the poll topper, with 10,864 votes.

Minister Burke said it made it all the more special to have his wife Olivia and his two young sons with him to celebrate the moment.

"I'm absolutely delighted, I'm obviously very grateful for the huge support I've got from my constituency and it's a very humble feeling because to get such a vote and increase my vote and I'm so grateful to everyone who votes for me," he said. "I can really say that I will do everything to vindicate their trust in me. "

Minister Burke stated he will work as hard as he can and keep his constituency offices going, which he insisted are so important to him every Monday and Friday and "give top class service" to all of the constituents.

Asked about what comes next he replied, "Well first of all we have to try and ensure we get Micheál Carrigy over the line here and I think we will," he said. "That's going to be important to try and get two seats. There has been a very significant increase in the Fine Gael vote in the constituency as well which is very good, Micheál increasing his vote as well, which has to be said."

Minister Burke said on Monday or Tuesday they will look at the final numbers are going to be and they can assess and evaluate how they will shape the next government.

Asked about what the key was for Fine Gael who appear to be on course for two seats, Minister Burke said, "I think a lot of it is down to hard work. We had three good candidates, we had Tanya Cannon, a business owner in Athlone, myself in Mullingar and Micheál in Longford."

Minister Burke praised Micheál Carrigy's dedication and particularly his strong work in relation to children with additional needs.

"He has been pioneering the autism committee, coming up with that report, which was very much groundbreaking. I know we need to legislate and do a lot more in that area," he said. "And obviously myself working as an Enterprise Minister, doing my best in terms of resetting the dial for small family businesses."

Minister Burke insisted he believes people appreciate hard work and dedication and in-particular dedication to public service.

"When you're available, you're accessible, you're doing a clinic, you're meeting people week-on, week-off, people do respect that in Ireland I think.