THERE was huge emotion at the announcement in the count centre in Limerick Racecourse that Social Democrats young gun Shane Hickey O’Meara was elected 1,092 votes in Limerick East.
Along with him, entering the new council chamber on vote of the latest district to fill all its seats are returning Sinn Fein councillor Sharon Benson with 1,439 votes, and another newcomer, Aountu’s Sarah Beasely with 1,355 votes.
Ms Beasley, Limerick’s first Aontú councillor, told the waiting media that she is delighted to be given the opportunity to fight for “the most vulnerable in society. I will continue to fight for these street people, for more hostel beds, more rehab facilities”.
“We said from the beginning it was always going to be about street homelessness, addiction, and we will continue to fight.”
Homelessness is also what pushed the Social Democrat candidate to run for office.
“We have to fight for young people. I watched it happen with my generation, being forced to emigrate and we cannot let what happened to my generation happen the 18 and 19 years olds in this city,” Shane told the Limerick Post.
He said it is “an incredible honour” to be elected for the first time.
“People have trusted me and I hope now I will get the opportunity to repay that trust.”
Sarah Beasley, a more seasoned campaigner, was nonetheless obviously relieved to hear her name added to the ranks of the elected.
Describing how she felt, she said “tired and delighted” in equal measures.
“It’s time now to get back to the work. I have a long list of things to complete and as soon as the (council) agenda comes out, those things will be on it”.
After 48 hours in which her party, Sinn Fein, were dealt some sobering blows, Sharon Benson (only the second Sinn Féin councillor to be returned so far) admitted that the count this weekend has been tough, but “it’s been tough for everyone. The last two days were tough for anyone involved to be honest.”
The three elected complete what has shaped out to be Limerick most diverse district (in terms of parties), joining Frankie Daly (IND), Kieran O’Hanlon (FF), Conor Sheehan (LAB), and Olivia O’Sullivan (FG).
No party has a majority in this district.
