“It is very hard to know what went wrong. In my time, North Longford was a heartland for Fianna Fáil”

Fianna Fail’s outcome in the Granard LEA was disappointing. Yet in the end, they were relieved and glad to take a seat.

For long periods on Sunday it looked like Fine Gael would take four of the five seats on offer. David Cassidy appeared to be out of the running.

However, the Ballinamuck barber launched a massive comeback and in the end and following a recount, he pipped Colin Dalton to the post.

Cassidy cut a disappointed figure when he spoke to the Leader in the TUS Athlone centre on Saturday.

Also read: Six new faces and three recounts as Longford local elections produce plenty of drama

He stated at that point that his own Drumlish/Ballinamuck area did not provide the support that he required.

His part of the district was undoubtedly the most competitive. Sitting councillor Paraic Brady was in the same parish of Drumlish/Ballinamuck. Another sitting councillor, Garry Murtagh, lives just three miles from Cassidy.

In addition, fellow FF candidate Susan Murphy was just up the road in Dromard parish.

Cassidy was happy with how he fared in other parts of the district, other than his own patch.

“I hit the targets in other areas and actually exceeded them. However, I needed 50 more votes in Drumlish and 50 more votes in Ballinamuck in order to be in a better position,” he explained.

Also read: How you voted in Longford municipal district: Less than 50% turnout as Fianna Fáil quartet elected

Retired Fianna Fáil councillor Luie McEntire was at a bit of a loss on Sunday to explain why FF were in such a position in the Granard municipal district.

“It is very hard to know what went wrong for Fianna Fáil. In my time, North Longford was a heartland for Fianna Fáil,” he stated.

Caption: Eimear McGauran, Louise McEntire and Luie McEntire, former Fianna Fáil councillor. Picture: Shelley Corcoran

“In 2014, Martin Mulleady, PJ Reilly and myself were elected from this district.”

McEntire felt that the candidates the party put forward were good enough.

“Marett Smith was a strong candidate. She was principal of one of the local schools and was a great worker for her locality. I am surprised that she didn’t poll better,” he commented.

“Susan Murphy was a very good candidate in Dromard,” he added.

McEntire could only admire Fine Gael’s success. “They have built up a significant base in North Longford under Micheál Carrigy,” he stated.

“Garry Murtagh worked hard for the district. He received over 900 votes in Colmcille,” McEntire added.

Also read: How you voted in Ballymahon municipal district: Two recounts and two big name casualties in gruelling Battle of Ballymahon

Has McEntire any advice for newly elected councillors? “My only advice to them would be to work hard for your area,” he stated.