Troy 'happy' with vote

'With three TDs pulling from the one geographical area, it was always going to be a bit of a challenge'

Deputy Robert Troy says that he is pleased to have gotten the second highest number of first preference votes in the Longford/Westmeath constituency.

According to the tally men and women, the Fianna Fáil man got 8,073 (13.2%) first preference votes. It is down on the 9,276 votes he got in 2020, but still puts him in second position behind poll topper Minister Peter Burke.

Deputy Troy congratulated Minister Burke on an “exceptional first preference vote” and said that he “pleased” with own vote. He added that with three outgoing TDs from the Mullingar area “it was always going to be a difficult election”.

“It was three TDs pulling from the one geographical area. It was always going to be a bit of a challenge.

“To finish second on the first count, to me, is an indication and a reflection, I think, of the work that I've done on the ground. I want to thank the people who came out and voted number one for me, putting their faith and confidence in me again.”

It looks as if many voters gave Minister Burke their number one and Deputy Troy their number two, which should put the Ballynacargy native over the line some time tomorrow.

“My team indicated that there was a huge second preference vote there for me off Peter. A lot of people must have been listening to Michael O'Leary as well and voting that way (laughs).

“Tonight is my fourth election general election. It looks like I will make it at some stage tomorrow. I'm deeply appreciative to the people who have put their faith and confidence in me again.”