After a tense weekend of waiting and 15 counts at the Count Centre, the 5 seats for the Carlow / Kilkenny constituency have been filled. For the first time in several decades, two TD’s from Carlow have secured seats in the Dail.
Sitting TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and newcomer Catherine Callaghan have been elected to the Dail ensuring that Carlow has a stronger voice at national level. For a period of time during the count, it looked as though a third Carlow-based candidate, Aine Gladney Knox might even join them, but she narrowly missed out on a seat to her party colleague based in Kilkenny.
‘Putting yourself forward for election is not an easy task – it takes dedication and hard work. We would like to say well done to all of the candidates for their commitment and drive. Congratulations to the 5 successful candidates, and commiserations to those that did not secure a seat on this occasion.’ Says Michael Quinn, President of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce.
‘In particular we would like to congratulate Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and Catherine Callaghan who have campaigned so hard throughout the county over the past several weeks. Having two strong and committed voices for Carlow at national level is a fantastic result for the county.’
County Carlow Chamber of Commerce launched the Vote Carlow campaign, when the general election was announced encouraging Carlow voters to consider Carlow candidates first.
‘As a Chamber our role is to be the voice of our members. When asked, in a business sentiment survey, if having a stronger voice at national level was important to them, our members responded with a resounding yes. 96% felt that it was important to secure a second TD for the county. And so, the Vote Carlow campaign was developed.’ Explains Nicola Doran, CEO of County Carlow Chamber.
The Chamber is not political – and is not affiliated to any party or individual. The purpose of the campaign was to strengthen the future of Carlow by increasing our voice at national level – regardless of party or personality.
