I’ll be back vows Fianna Fáil's Nathan Galligan

‘Sentiment on the doors not reflect on polling day - McPhillips

Aontú’s Grainne McPhillips and Nathan Galligan (FF) have bowed out of the local political arena this evening after they were eliminated on the fifth and sixth counts respectively at Cavan Leisure Centre earlier.

Galligan (24) was a first timer while McPhillips made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District in 2019.

Speaking to the Celt in the aftermath of his elimination, Galligan - a native of Kilnaleck - pointed to the candidate congestion in and around his heartland and the impact that had on voting patterns.

“I was up against it from the start and the tallies showed that,” he continued before adding that he genuinely “delighted” to end up with a very respectable 986 votes. Given the amount of work that we did put in, it’s disappointing not to win a seat - I really hoped that I would get over the line but that ‘s politics for you.

"I’d like to thank everyone who supported me; those that voted for me; and for the good reception we got on the doors. We are proud of what we have achieved and I’ll definitely be back in 2029."

Meanwhile, McPhillips pointed to the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Arena and how “it was always going to be a tough battle”. The increase in candidates was always going to pose an extra challenge,” she continued. “The consensus from engaging with people was that they were fed up with the parties in power and how different issues were being dealt with.

"There was also a desire for female representation in the Ballyjamesduff area. However, on polling day, this was not reflected. That being said, I polled well and stayed in the race until the fifth count. I would like to thank everyone who supported my campaign and voted for me. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be.”