THE RACE to be named Limerick’s first directly-elected mayor resumes shortly this morning with just five hopefuls left from the original grouping of 15.
The count was called to a halt last night just before midnight after eight long counts spread across what was a long day for candidates and count staff alike.
At the front of the pack as the action resumes this morning is John Moran, Independent candidate and former general secretary at the Department of Finance under former minster Michael Noonan (FG).
Moran currently stands on 19,719 votes, 20,154 shy of the 39,873 quota.
Watching on in adoration throughout the day was Bridie Moran, mother to John. Turning 80 last September was no big deal for Bridie Moran, she takes ageing in her stride. However, the Brosna native’s eyes lit up with excitement when speaking about her son.
“I am very proud of John,” Ms Moran said.
“I had it easier than other canvassers though, I only did certain hour and halves here and there, I didn’t do much canvassing as age got at the better of me, probably.
“He is the frontrunner at the moment, and yes of course I am hopeful he will get over the line, he is my son.”
John himself remained tightlipped about his performance, choosing not to talk to the media throughout the day.
Tipped by many as the frontrunner, including by veteran count watcher Joe Kemmy (brother of the late Labour legend Jim Kemmy), Moran leads his closest competitor – Helen O’Donnell, on 14,288 after nine counts – by 5,431 votes. He has consistently kept a lead margin of over 5,000 throughout the count so far.
Taking up third position is Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan, former Limerick Chamber CEO, with 12,937.
Daniel Butler (Fine Gael) follows the top three on 11,337.
The last in the current standings, and likely first to be eliminated on count nine this morning, is Sinn Féin’s Maurice Quinlivan, currently on 9,528 votes.
Despite being at the tail end of the race, Quinlivan was holding onto the prospect that transfers might help him close the gap, stating that “transfers are going to come into play for everybody”.
“There is no way of knowing what way those transfers are going to go, the dynamics could change dramatically as the count progresses.
“John Moran is the frontrunner, he is well out in front, but he could be caught by a number of candidates,” he maintained.
“I’m not ruling myself out yet, but I would have wished I would have polled better, it’s slightly disappointing.”
Speaking at the count centre at Limerick Racecourse, veteran Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea contemplated whether or not he would run for the €160,000 a year mayor’s job when his Dáil career comes to an end.
“It’s a very attractive job alright, there is no question about that… never say never,” O’Dea quipped.
Yesterday’s count was one full of drama, which rounded out on the bombshell of both Frankie Daly (IND) and Elisa O’Donovan (SD) being eliminated on the same count.
With over 10,000 votes to be distributed between the two eliminated candidates (who this past weekend retained their seats on Limerick City and County Council) on count nine, we could be looking at a dramatic start to the day as the count resumes from 9.30am.
Eliminated so far are: Gerben Uunk (PAW), Conor Sheehan (LAB), Sarah Beasley (AON), Brian Leddin (GP), Laura Keyes (RAB), Ruairí Fahy (PBP), Caitríona Ní Chatháin (SP), Colm Ó’Móráin (IND), Elisa O’Donovan (SP), and Frankie Daly (IND).
Stay with the Limerick Post throughout the day as the historic count continues towards a conclusion.
