'I put Waterford's interest at heart' - Shanahan reflects on current standings

Independent Matt Shanahan has reflected on the current standings at the count centre in Waterford, with four counts now complete. 

So far, Shanahan has been in close competition with Sinn Féin's Cllr. Conor McGuinness. 

Shanahan received 5,355 first preference votes, compared to McGuinness’ 5,791. 

After the fourth count, McGuinness has 6,735 votes, compared to Shanahan's 5,515.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star this evening, Matt Shanahan said: “I don’t have any more insight than anyone else as to how this is going to pan out. We’ll have to see where it finishes.

“We’ve had a super team and we’ve canvassed every door, in the mid county, the west and Waterford city. We had a good strategy to not alone leaflet, but to knock on every door and engage. I hoped that would yield a little bit more, but that’s politics.

“I’m happy we have an excellent crew, we had 30 to 35 people out some nights canvassing and that’s a significant number of people to organize, and I’d like to thank them sincerely for all their efforts and putting their trust in me to try and get this over the line. If there’s any disappointment to come, I’ll be disappointed for them as well.” 

Shanahan also emphasised the importance of having Independent representation in the dáil, saying:

“The worry I would have if Waterford sends back four party TDs is we are going to be subject to party prescription. We’re good at getting promises and we’re not good at getting delivery. If you don’t put somebody up there who’s calling that out, we will find out very quickly that all you'll hear is the party lines, and the party lines may not be Waterford's lines.” 

Reflecting on his performance over the past four years, Shanahan said:

“The Independent brand I was bringing was middle of the road for some people, but it reflects the Ireland of today.

“I’m open to everything on a case by case basis, I’m not tied to a vote, I make a decision, and I made every decision that I could in Waterford’s interests or in the political influence of trying to move Waterford along. That is how I voted, it wasn’t to suit Matt Shanahan at any point. 

"I could have made life a lot easier for myself on certain votes, and maybe I could have even carved out more political ground if I wanted to by leaning in certain directions, but I didn’t do that, I put Waterford’s interest at heart. 

"That’s my record, and if I fall, so be it. While I’ve been there I know what’s been delivered."

Four counts are now complete, with David Cullinane the only candidate currently elected.