Longford Supporters secure a seat for the Boxer

Longford may only have voted one of their five candidates into political office in General Election 2024, but Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has committed to work “exceptionally hard” for the Farrell county.

The Former Minister of State reclaimed the Dáil seat he lost following the 2020 General Election in the early hours of Monday morning.

“Athlone has got a TD,” he called after supporters carried him shoulder high at the Longford Westmeath Count Centre in TUS Athlone.

The following day he was extending his base. “I can only say a big, big thanks to the people of Longford who put their trust in me, who put their faith in me,” he told the Leader.

His gratitude towards the people of his neighbouring county is well placed. A voting pact with Longford Independent candidate, Gerry Warnock, made him the beneficiary of 625 transferred votes, more than Micheál Carrigy (618) and Joe Flaherty (519).

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“With the help of God, I'll be able to return that trust to them by working exceptionally hard for them.”

‘Boxer’ said, “I have to reach out to Gerry Warnock. Gerry was a very close ally of mine when he was a councillor.”

Count 14 saw ‘Boxer’ pick up 195 votes from the distribution of Sorca Clarke’s surplus to give him 10,450 votes and put him over the 10,315 quota.

“I've been working closely in Longford over the last number of weeks. Since the local elections I've had a clear indication that I've got a mandate from the people of Athlone,” a hoarse Boxer told the Leader. “I've reached out to the people of Longford, met a lot of people, and talked to a lot of people.”

He acknowledged the pact between himself and Gerry Warnock. “Since he put himself forward for the Dáil, the two of us rang each other on a regular basis. I was in regular contact with him and Mark Casey. We've had open conversations on where we both felt we could make a difference.”

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The newly minted Teachta Dála said a “lot of stones were overturned” and “a lot of hurdles were crossed” during the campaign.

“Niall Dowler was another Longford man who got behind me. Niall lost out in the local elections as an independent candidate, but between the four of us, working together and we're back,” he said.

“People in Longford know Boxer Moran. I've done a lot of work for people in Longford and for the local authorities when I was a TD and a minister. I'll continue to do that if I'm successful in the upcoming Dáil. In or out of government, I'll still work on behalf of the people.”

The independent TD has been in politics for a long time. Having sat at the top table in the Dáil he has an edge on most candidates.

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He says Longford's predicament before the last election made his re-election a tough nut to crack. “Everywhere I go, people know me. The brand, it's a household name. The last time out, Longford wanted a Longford TD. They were going to do everything in power and get one.

“I missed out last time out, but the people that voted for me at this time know how good I was to them. And know what I've done for them, and not just for Longford. I've done it all over the country in the job I held. But I'm very, very fond of the people of Longford because I had so many friends there.”

He believes the time he spent as Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform “in council offices talking to the officials, knowing the demand of what they wanted” helped him meet the needs of his constituency.

That work was not lost in 2024. “I met different groups, and delivered for them. Look at the Motte in Granard. The gas line in Ballymahon. Look at Center Parcs, Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in Kenagh or the greenways around Longford town. They happened thanks to Gerry Warnock and myself and Mark Casey.”

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Extensions to schools, working on reducing the number of void houses under the control of the local authority, and roads and sports grants are all flagged as efforts he made on this side of the constituency when he was an elected member of the Dáil.

He says there is scope for further development in Longford. “There were a few projects I didn't get over the line. We had a lot of work done through my department at the time, and the OPW, designing around the canal in the centre of Longford. And that's something I'd love to revisit.”

He says his maxim is “whatever is good for Longford is good for Westmeath” and also good for Athlone.

“I think for far too long we talk about one versus the other. It shouldn't be the case. We're all working there for the benefit of the people, the electors. We knock on every door as politicians. And we seek everybody's vote. And that's why it's called Longford Westmeath,” ‘Boxer’ said.

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As speculation about the make up of the next government intensifies the non party TD wouldn't be drawn on what part he might play in the discussion. “We'll see where we're going. See if we are a part of government or not part of government. In or out, I'll be there for the people.

“I think that's premature at this time because the two parties have to sit down. Micheál Martin and Simon Harris will trash it out. I think rotating Taoiseach is the first hurdle. Even though they'll tell you they want to implement their own manifestos.”

The Athlone based Deputy remained tight lipped on what will come after that. “If I get the opportunity, we'll have that discussion if that opportunity comes in front of us. And we'll make decisions after that then.”