Sam Locke surrounded by supporters after he was elected on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S all over in the race for Tralee Electoral Area seats as four out of the final five candidates left in the race were deemed elected before 7pm tonight.
The elected candidates are Thomas McEllistrim (FF), Pat McCarthy (FG), Sam Locke (Ind) and Graham Spring (Lab).
There was disappointment for long-standing member of the Town Council, Johnnie Wall, who lost out, ending a 29 year stint in local politics.
The distribution of Ted Fitzgerald’s 1,056 votes failed to put anyone over the quota. Presiding officer, Michael McMahon then deemed the four candidates with the highest number of votes to be elected.
In the end, Thomas McEllistrim finished with 1,569, Pat McCarthy on 1,564, Sam Locke on 1,439, Graham Spring on 1,431 and Johnnie Wall on 1,304.
Thomas McEllistrim and supporters celebrate his return to Kerry County Council. Photo by Dermot Crean
TraleeToday.ie spoke briefly to the winning four to gauge their reaction. First up was Tom McEllistrim.
“I’m delighted and honoured to be back in Kerry County Council and I’d like to thank all who voted for me. We covered nearly all the houses in the area and we got a great response. I knew it would be hard to get back in but I was very positive and I thought I’d get there.”
Graham Spring took another seat for Labour in an election that saw them decimated nationwide.
“It’s a tough couple of days for the party and a bit stressful as well for myself, but I’m relieved we have two seats here which is bucking the national trend. We have to rebuild now,” said Mr Spring.
Graham Spring with his wife Carmel after he was elected to Kerry County Council on Sunday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sam Locke was overwhelmed with the response he received.
“I’m absolutely delighted. I worked hard and I’ve a great team who have been out with me since January around to the nooks and crannys of the electoral area and I’m delighted with the way people respected the work I’ve been doing.”
He had a special word for those who didn’t make it.
“I’m disappointed that a candidate like Johnnie Wall, and the work that he has put in over the years, didn’t succeed. I must compliment Johnnie Wall and Tommy Collins on their vote. It’s a sad day for Ted Fitzgerald. Being involved in politics is a cutthroat game and each time we go out after five years and put our heads on the chopping block, it’s there for the general public to take that head from us. Good men lost their seat today.”
Pat McCarthy was relieved to have made it.
“It’s been a tough battle and a lot of candidates are feeling the pinch of the the tough decisions taken by the Government. We’re lucky, Jim [Finucane] and myself, to hold on. It’s getting tougher as traditional methods of voting are changing. There were transfers all over the place. You have to spare a thought for those who didn’t make it.”
Pat McCarthy of Fine Gael with his family and supporters after he was re-elected on Sunday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
