Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael secure status quo in Kildare LEA

Similar to Newbridge, the local elections also proved to be a victorious day for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for the Kildare Local Electorial Area.

Fianna Fáil councillor Suzanne Doyle and Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy have officially been re-elected to Kildare County Council.

Cllr Doyle was elected with 1,667 votes and Cllr Duffy was elected with 1,459, both on Count 1.

The quota was 1,382.

Commenting on his success, Cllr Duffy told the Leader: "I’m overwhelmed!"

"I have worked hard for the last five years, and I’m delighted for all the support."

APPRECIATION

When asked about her thoughts on her success, Cllr Doyle told the Leader: "I want to thank the electorate and also those who worked on the campaign, as well as the hard work of KCC staff at the count.

"I would also like to thank my colleagues , and acknowledge those who did not success in getting elected."

She continued: "What you see (today) is the result of years of hard work; I’m very passionate about my town, and what comes first is the community.

"We (as councillors) have to focus on recreation and the equitable distribution of (KCC’s) Capital Programme."

"I would also like to especially acknowledge all first-time voters in this election, as it is so important to engage in the system," she concluded.

Re-elected FG candidate for the Kildare area, Suzanne Doyle celebrates with friends and family, including with her mother, Teasie. Photograph by Tony Keane.

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IN CUSTODY

OTHER SUCCESSES

Another candidate who was successfully elected was first-timer Pat Balfe on Count 9.

The Social Democrats Cllr became emotional as he celebrated with friends and family, as well as his Newbridge-based colleague Cllr Chris Pender.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, he said: "I am elated, it’s all still sinking in.

"It has been a very, very long, tiring race from start to finish."

He added: "I would like to thank all of those who voted for me; it really is an excellent result for a first-time candidate."

Another first-timer who found success was Sinn Féin’s Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, who was officially elected as a councillor.

Like Cllr Balfe, she too was also elected on Count 9.

Lastly, another first-time candidate who enjoyed success was Fianna Fáil’s Brian O'Loughlin.

Cllr O'Loughlin, who is also the younger brother of Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, was elected on Count 8 of the poll, at 1,394 votes.

When asked by the Leinster Leader about his new-found electoral success, Cllr O'Loughlin had this to say: "I am absolutely humbled today."

"I am absolutely delighted to represent both Kildare and Fianna Fáil today."

'HE ISN’T AFRAID TO HOLD PEOPLE TO ACCOUNT'

Senator O'Loughlin also chimed in with her thoughts: "I am absolutely delighted for Brian. I think he will be an excellent public representative.

"He has always been involved in campaigning (with Fianna Fáil); he is a people-person, but at the same time, he isn’t afraid to hold people to account."

Senator O'Loughlin added: "I think he will be a creative influence on Kildare County Council."