election 2016
BROTHERS-IN-ARMS AS HEALY-RAES MAKE HISTORY IN KERRY Mighty Michael tops the poll IT WAS a long wait at the Kerry count centre in Killarney Sports & Leisure Club and well over 14 hours after the ballot boxes were opened, the cheers rang out as Michael Healy-Rae took the first seat. As expected, Michael topped the poll in spectacular fashion, with the highest number of first preferences of any candidate in the country. He was followed by his brother Danny when returning officer Padraig Burke announced the results of the first count on Saturday night, which were as follows: Michael HealyRae, Independent, 20,378; Danny Healy-Rae, Independent, 9,991; Brendan Griffin, Fine Gael, 9,674; Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein, 9,458; John Brassil, Fianna Fail, 8,156; Jimmy Deenihan, Fine Gael, 6,489; Arthur Spring, Labour, 4,813; Norma Moriarty, Fianna Fail, 4,348; Michael Pixie O’Gorman, Independent, 1,236; Michael Fitzgerald, Green Party, 1,011, Brian Finucane, People Before Profit, 981; Grace O’Donnell, Fine Gael, 776; Donal Corcoran, Renua, 716; Mary Fitzgibbon, Independent, 635; Kevin Murphy, Independent, Michael and Danny Healy-Rae in celebratory mood with supporters after Danny's election after the second count at the 2016 general election count for the Kerry constituency in Killarney Sports Centre on Sunday morning. 464; Henry Gaynor, Independent, 147. Michael Healy-Rae paid tribute to their canvass- Picture: Eamonn Keogh (macmonagle.com) ers and to the electorate. “We’re deeply humbled at the amount of people who came out to vote for Healy-Raes,” Michael told the Killarney Advertiser, ROUSING choruses of “Oh Danny Boy, the Dáil, Danny thanked all his supporters and canvassas he stood flanked by his fellow general election the Dáil is calling” rang out from jubilant ers as well as his family. candidate Danny and Danny’s son, county councillor Healy-Rae supporters as Danny Healy-Rae was Turning to his supporters as he was elected, Johnny. deemed elected on count two shortly before an emotional Danny said: “That’s Jackie for ye “We are grateful that to all our canvassers who noon on Sunday at the Kerry count at Killarney now, lads.” worked and suffered for us! An enormous effort went Sports & Leisure Centre. Shortly after he entered the election race just into it and it took a tremendous campaign to achieve Following transfers of his brother Michael's minutes before the deadline, Danny told the the result that we attained.” surplus, the county council member took the Killarney Advertiser he knew that Jackie HealyCompetition was fierce for seats in the now-five second seat in the Kerry constituency with a Rae was with the brothers “in spirit and urging seat Kerry constituency. Five outgoing TDs were been tally of 13,826. us to leave no stone unturned” as they hit the among the 16 candidates. Independent candidate Danny described his campaign trail. The Healy-Rae brothers said they are determined to election as one of the best moments of his life. Their father Jackie was elected to the Dáil for continue the family legacy begun by their father, the Now he and sitting Independent TD Michael Kerry South in 1997. late Jackie Healy-Rae. Healy-Rae become the first siblings ever to Michael took over in 2011 and is a strong faEarlier on Saturday, Michael said on RTÉ: “Some peorepresent the same constituency at the same vourite to retain his seat. ple in Dublin don’t get this, but I’ll send a message. time. The Healy-Raes had been clear in their vote It’s all about being a servant to the people that elect As expected, Michael topped the poll when re- management strategy, asking voters to vote you.” Addressing people in Dublin for a second time, turning officer Padraig Burke announced the for one or the other as number one and numMichael Healy-Rae said his critics would now have results of the first count, at 11.30pm on Sat- ber two, depending on where in the county two people to take on. “Some of the smart alecs in urday night. they lived. Dublin who may have picked on me in the past. Well, you know what? They’ll have to pick through him to get to me,” he said.
‘One of the best moments of my life’
Karis Koschan and Caoimhe O'Connor with Deputy Danny Healy-Rae at the count last Saturday.
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Killarney Advertiser 04.02.16
At the count on Saturday were Eileen Healy-Rae, Des Cahill, Rosemary Healy-Rae, Dan Kiely, Mike O'Rourke, Nuala Costello, Paul Sheehy, Jackie Healy-Rae Junior, and Joe Stack. Picture: John Cleary