Independents take over Belturbet Town Council
by Sean McMahon Updated: Wednesday, 10th June, 2009 1:00pm
The whirlwind nationwide backlash against Fianna Fáil also manifested itself with great starkness for the party at the Belturbet Town Council count in the Seven Horse Shoes Hotel. There was an almost silent resignation to the anticipated winds of change at the barrier in the count centre from early morning, and once Paddy Brady showcased what was to come from the independents, Fianna Fáil realised it was not going to be their day.
As the counting relentlessly churned out the ongoing drama, many human emotions were evoked before our eyes - the excitement of the new kids on the block and the vanquished Fianna Fáil councillors, Sinead Donohoe, Richard Harris and Francie Reynolds, gracefully accepting that the ballot box is a great leveller.
The party only returned one councillor to the new Council in the person of newcomer Liz McDermott. The former Fianna Fail stronghold proved to be very fertile ground for Independents on this occasion, with no less than five being returned. Fine Gael held firm by returning their three outgoing councillors, John Scott, John McDonald and Peggy Gray.
Former Fianna Fáil member and now Independent, Anthony Vesey topped the poll with 130 votes and was easily elected on the first count, together with another first timer, Paddy Brady, who polled an most impressive 112 first preference votes.
When their surpluses were distributed in the second and third counts, it culminated in the election of outgoing Independent Councillor, Seamus Fitzpatrick with a total of 90 votes.
Then we had to progress to the seventh count to see another new man in politics, Mickey Lee, make a major breakthrough for the independents, when he passed the quota with a very impressive 88 votes. Cllr. Peggy Gray was also elected on this count with a fine return of 87 votes.
Then we cascaded onto the ninth and final count, when sitting Fine Gael Councillor, John McDonald breached the quota by one vote with a showing of 86 votes. Those elected without reaching the quota were Liz McDermott with 83 votes, Tony Gorby (Ind) with a credible final tally of 81 votes and long-term Fine Gael Cllr. John Scott.
The Sinn Féin candidate Noreen Quinn Briddigkeit achieved a tally of 44 votes but was handicapped from advancing by the distinct lack of transfers - in fact she only got a total of five transfers to bring her final figure on the seventh count to 49 votes.
The Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, visited the count centre and commented that they had to make hard decisions in Government. 'They are not popular decisions and naturally our party candidates felt the blunt of the disappointment of the electorate.'
Paddy Brady was absolutely thrilled with his performance on his first foray into politics. 'I had a great campaign and everybody was very nice to me at the doors.' There is politics in the blood, as his late father, also Paddy won a by-election in Cavan in the late 50s.
He will be immediately championing the cause for a new library for the town, more resource teachers and a new community centre. 'I will be working hard in the interests of all the people if the town and endeavouring to see the great natural tourism amenities enhanced and exploited to their full potential.'
Mickey Lee could not hide his great excitement about being elected for the very first time. He was always confident that he would make it and made up his mind on the spur of the moment to enter the race. He thanked all the people who came out in their numbers to vote for him. He will be actively pushing for more employment for the town and to get ramps put on Chapel Road and have proper bins provided at all schools. He will also be pushing to see the town reach its full potential on the tourism front.
Liz McDermott who will now be the only Fianna Fáil Councillor on the Council told The Anglo-Celt that she is well up for the challenge. 'I am delighted that the people came out and voted for me. I would like to tell the people of Belturbet that I will do as I promised, work hard for every single individual.'
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