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Anne O’Sullivan after she was elected on Monday afternoon. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
NEVER underestimate the Fianna Fáil vote in Tralee was one of the lessons learnt last weekend, with the party retaining their two seats on the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council.
While Cllr Mikey Sheehy was expected to coast back in, many questioned if first-time candidate Anne O’Sullivan would have the profile to take that the seat vacated by Johnnie Wall.
But, after a dogged battle, she survived a recount requested by Thomas McEllistrim at around 2.30am on Monday morning, which must have led to a sleepless night for Anne…or did it?
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“I did sleep. It’s like the Leaving Cert — you just have hand it over. The electorate had their day at the ballot box and we just had to wait for the official confirmation today. There was no point in sweating over it. I suppose it was a case of que sera sera,” she told us, after her seat was confirmed on Monday afternoon.
“I’m just delighted to have the support of the electorate and now it’s time to roll up my sleeves, to deliver on the promises I made, to work on the issues and concerns of the people of the Tralee area and to advocate on their behalf to make sure our community is the best for all of us to live and work.”
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While Anne has been by the side of Minister Norma Foley on her travels around the county in her role as parliamentary assistant, her profile still wasn’t that high coming into the election so did she think this would hamper her chances?
“That was always the challenge. I’m a first-time candidate, not really known in political circles or among the general public, but I had massive support from the people around me and without them I would not be elected.”
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Anne is one of three Ballymac natives elected to the Council (“it’s amazing, it just shows the dynamic forces at play in the parish”) and also one of three women now on the Tralee MD council with Deirdre Ferris and Angie Baily, something she is looking forward to.
“It’s great to have that representation on the Council to advocate for women in our community and we’ll work hard together,” she added.
Anne O’Sullivan and Angie Baily embrace after both were elected to Kerry County Council on Monday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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