Cllrs Seamus Ryan and Frank Quinlan returned
Frank Quinlan, FG, who was elected at the Local Election 24 at SETU Arena. Photo: Joe Evans
It was a happy scene in SETU Arena on Sunday evening, June 9, as Councillors Seamus Ryan (Labour) and Frank Quinlan (Fine Gael) found out that they would be keeping their seats on Waterford City and County Council.
From the first preference tallies on Saturday morning, it was quickly evident that both Seamus and Frank would have a tight race as the weekend wore on.
The tallies put the men neck and neck on 8.4% each of the votes.
Speaking with the Waterford News & Star on Saturday morning, Seamus said: "It's very early days yet but there's a lot of boxes to be tallied, I think there are around 40% of boxes tallied and the vote seems to be holding up which is what we would be hoping for."
Seamus took a moment to thank all who supported him: "I just want to thank all of those that voted for me, I really do appreciate that, and to thank the team; canvassing, putting up posters, leafletting for me.
"It's all voluntary work, and I want to thank them."
Frank similarly thanked everyone who voted for him and the community for supporting him throughout the campaign, expressing a desire to get back into Council to further tackle dereliction in Waterford.
Seamus added presciently: "But there's a lot of boxes and a lot of votes to count and let's hope it continues as it's going."
Waterford City South LEA saw a turnout of 47.99%, out of an electorate of 15,641.
Over the next 36 hours, the votes came in incrementally. There was a valid poll of 7,402, with 104 spoiled votes.
On the 12th count, Seamus received 931 votes, and Frank received 855.
At around 8.30pm, Saturday night, both Cllrs Ryan and Quinlan were elected to the Council, with family, friends and supporters hoisting the men up into the crowds.
Leader of the Labour Party Ivana Bacik offered her warm wishes on Twitter, stating: "So thrilled to see Seamus Ryan re-elected for Labour in Waterford last night - well deserved and really great result!"
Fine Gael Senator John Cummins was a fixture at the Arena, never too far away from Frank and fellow Councillor Lola O'Sullivan, who topped the poll for Tramore-Waterford City West on the first count.
Fine Gael won eight seats in the local elections, making it the largest party in Waterford City and County Council.
Senator Cummins stated: "It’s not an easy thing to put your name out there and I have huge respect for everyone that does. I want to thank everyone who turned out to vote for Fine Gael and placed their trust in us."
