Succesing Supporters - Post-Match Analysis

So about two weeks ago I brought you a list of candidates for Election '11 (Plus Michael D and Dermot Looney who I just had to include!) and their affiliations to the League of Ireland. The votes were cast, the ballots counted and tomorrow the 31st Dáil sits for the first time. Time to see how our candidates got on!

Mick Wallace (Independent) - Wexford - Wexford Youths - Elected First Count

Wallace surprised everyone else, and probably even himself by receiving a colossal 13,329 first preferences, surpassing the quota by 739, and amassing a 17.6% share of the first preferences. Having only decided to run three weeks earlier, and handing in an application just before the deadline, it appears that Wallace's need for change, image, and transparency won him the heard and minds of the Wexford people. On his official website, the Property Developer thanked the residents of the Banner County “It’s not easy to put into words what has happened,” Wallace said. “I feel a huge responsibility to the people of Wexford who have shown the courage to look for change and I do not carry it lightly. I want to say thank you to the people of Wexford, who have now given me the opportunity of bringing a new approach."

Cllr. Jonathan O'Brien (Sinn Féin) - Cork North Central - Cork City FC - Elected Eighth Count

Another man elected first in his constituency was Jonathan O'Brien, albeit on the 8th count. The former FORAS Board of Management member received the highest amount of first preferences, but it took the transfer votes from Socialist Party member Mick Barry to guarantee him a place in the Dáil, and a place in history. O'Brien became the first Sinn Féin candidate to be elected in Cork since Michael Collins in 1922. Jonathan's son, Ryan, is currently kit manager at City.



Cllr. Patrick Nulty (Labour) - West Dublin CC - Bohemians - Not Elected

Our final candidate discussed was Patrick Nulty, who's an avid Bohemians fan. Unfortunately Nulty only received 2686 first preferences, a 6.3% share. Despite picking up a number of transfers off party colleague Joan Burton (Who got in on the first count) it wasn't enough to see the Dublin 15 native through to the Oireachtas. Speaking after the election on his blog, Nulty said that a number of residents contacted him enquiring as to where their polling cards went. “Many people were unsure if they could still vote and we in the Dublin West Labour Party set get information to the public that they could still vote with ID. Thankfully many people did exercise their right to vote in a record turnout but nevertheless we need answers as to why such a huge area of Dublin 15 did not get polling cards”

Others

There were a number of Shamrock Rovers fans contesting the four seats on offer in Dublin South-West. Former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte lead the way, with a grand total of 12,867 first preferences (27.4%). The two Fianna Fáil representatives failed to get in though, and lost their seats, in what was a crippling election for the party. Both Charlie O'Connor and Conor Lenihan devastated by the loss of their long-term seats in the Dáil. Another LOI fan-turned-politician who missed out on election was Sinn Féin candidate Larry O'Toole. The avid Bohemians fan still has his place on the Dublin City Council to fall back on, but will be disappointed to be the highest candidate not to be voted, albeit by a deficit of almost 2,500 votes, as he received far more first preferences then eventual electorate Seán Kenny.

So all in all not a hugely unsuccessful election for LOI fans; three candidates elected, two first in their constituency. With many forecasting a long and successful period for the 31st Dáil, LOI fans will be hoping their league gets a voice within the principal chamber of the Oireachtas.