Toughest local election battle for veteran Fianna Fáil candidate 'rescued' by party transfers

The longest-serving county councillor in Laois says the 2024 campaign was the toughest he has ever fought and admitted that he was rescued by transfers from party colleagues in Fianna Fáil.

Fianna Fáil man Seamus McDonald spoke with the Leinster Express / Laois Live after retaining his seat on Laois County Council after the 10th and final count in the Portlaoise Count Centre.

"I am delighted to be reelected to Laois County Council once again. I was first elected in 1985 and have been successful in every election since. 

"I would like to say a special word of thanks to my own family. They gave me great support during the campaign. Also thanks to my colleagues who canvassed for me and put a huge effort to get me elected.

"I would like to thank the people of Clonaslee, Rosenallis, Ballyfin, Clonaghdoo and other areas who came out and voted for me. I am looking forward to getting back on the council again to do the work I've been doing for a long number of years," he said.

The Rosenallis-based councillor won the seat after a close contest with Fine Gael's Paddy Buggy.

"Paddy got a great vote and unfortunately there weren't two seats. He ran a great clean campaign. There was a bit of pressure on but thankfully everybody worked out with the transfers," he said.

Cllr McDonald admitted he has never faced as stern a test.

"This was the toughest. I always got elected easily; last time I was third elected. This time it was a bit difficult but it worked out will and that is the important thing," he said.

He agrees that his party's strategy to run five candidates benefitted him.

"It came to my rescue," he said.

Cllr McDonald concluded by saying the strategy proves that transfers are vital. 

"Every vote counts," he said.

Cllr McDonald will begin his 40th year as a public representative when Laois County Council reconvenes in June.