Longford #LE24: Turlough McGovern thrilled to be re-elected after battle with 'all the big guns'

Having topped the poll last time out, Cllr Turlough McGovern performed incredibly well again, being returned for a second time on the first count. 

He had to cede the honour of being the poll topper for the Granard Municipal District, losing that title to Cllr Garry Murtagh by just 37 votes. 

However, he was delighted to be returned after a tough campaign and actually increase his vote. 

"Yeah, it was a battlefield, but look, I think we pulled the troops out in good time... and timed it very well, you know. As an independent candidate, it's always more of a challenge, and the fact that you topped the poll the last time, I think people would have sort of assumed that this year would be more difficult," Cllr McGovern said. 

Reflecting on another incredible performance, which saw him get 1,413 first preferences, a surplus of 228 he said: "a lot of people would have said I'd never get that vote again, and to come out and top it again up, I mean, nearly 125 votes, it's a fair record for an independent standing on his own against all the big guns, you know.

"But I suppose us in that little Granard area there loves that challenge, you know, and the McGoverns were never known for lying down," he said.