Fledgling party Independent Ireland has made major gains in the local elections, with 20 new councillors so far elected. Cllr Seamus Walsh, a former Fianna Fáil councillor, became the first elected councillor for the party, increasing his vote by 500 in Outerard, Co Galway. Gerr Curley was elected for Independent Ireland in the Cobh LEA, while Cllr Danny Collins took a seat in Bantry. Ballinasloe councillor Declan Geraghty, who joined Independent Ireland in February, was also elected in Ballinasloe, Galway. In Connemara South, Independent Ireland candidate and returning councillor Noel Thomas topped the poll, getting one up on his former party.

Source: Irish Independent June 10, 2024 17:14 UTC