Fine showing for Fine Gael in Comeragh
Seanie Power FG, who was elected on the first count in the Waterford Local Election, also pictured is Seanie's 'little pet' Lauren Connolly Photo: Joe Evans
Almost half (45.4%) of all first preference votes in the Portlaw/Kilmacthomas LEA went to Fine Gael representatives, with both party candidates Liam Brazil and Seanie Power re-elected on the very first count.
Kilmacthomas native Liam Brazil received 1,982 first preference votes, with Rathgormack’s Seanie Power bringing in 1,554 from a quota of 1,299.
“It’s fantastic for Fine Gael,” Liam said.
“I think people in rural Ireland are starting to believe again that Fine Gael are the party for them.
“It comes back to us on the doorstep all the time that Simon (Harris) was so active on the ground over the election, that he travelled to every county and constituency and that wasn’t easy. He's young, he's ambitious and he wanted to meet the people, which is so important."
Liam added, “In December I’ll be retiring from my work and I’ll be a full time councillor. I would like to thank every door I knocked on, the people I met and friends I made along the way."
Sitting Cathaoirleach of the Portlaw/ Kilmacthomas area, Seanie Power also keeps his place on the council.
Reacting to the victory, Seanie said: “I’m delighted to be here, it’s been a long day and we didn’t think it would go on for so long but I’m just delighted that it's over because I have been thinking about it all week just hoping it would go well. It’s like playing a match and the final whistle comes."
When asked about the work he does within the locality, he said: “I’m out and about, I meet people and I’m on the ground which I feel is very important. When anyone contacts me I’m there, be it for roads, planning, housing or anything. I like being out meeting people and I feel it's hugely important.”
Commending the candidates, Fine Gael Senator John Cummins commented, "Topping the poll in Tramore, Portlaw-Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan highlights the excellent people we have in Fine Gael and I know firsthand how hard they work and how dedicated they are to bettering our community.”
