'I feel very humbled and very grateful', says poll-topper Burke

FG man says late parents firmly in his thoughts

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, comfortably topped the polls and was elected on the first count, becoming the first Fine Gael TD to achieve this feat in the constituency since Paddy Cooney in 1973.

Speaking to The Westmeath Examiner, Deputy Burke expressed his gratitude, saying he was “humbled” by the strong show of support, particularly after a “challenging time” following the death of his mother in October.

He said that his late parents, his father Peter Snr passed away in 2022, were firmly in his thoughts.

“Since I was here five years ago, both my mum and dad aren’t with me anymore, and that’s obviously a big thing. I’d love to have them with me here today. They were my chief advisors in politics.

“I’m so grateful to the people of Mullingar, north Westmeath, and indeed the entire constituency for placing their faith in me. I will do everything I can and work so hard every single day to vindicate their faith and their hopes for the future. I feel very humbled and very grateful.”

Reflecting on his campaign, Minister Burke said he was “very happy with the response on the doorstep.”

“People showed a huge amount of goodwill. They know I have a very strong track record in the area. I’ve been a full-time TD since 2016 and have worked very hard in that capacity.

“I was privileged to be appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment only seven months ago, and I’ve worked so hard in that regard. I really wanted to ensure that I did everything I could for my constituency, which means so much to me. I will continue that work rate, full-time service, and dedication to politics.”

Looking at the national picture – Fine Gael got 20.7% of the popular vote, while Fianna Fáil received 21.6% and Sinn Féin 18.7%, Minister Burke said that it is “very difficult to say” what the parties' final number of seats will be.

Looking at the national picture – Fine Gael got 20.7% of the popular vote, while Fianna Fáil received 21.6% and Sinn Féin 18.7%, Minister Burke said that it is “very difficult to say” what the exact make up of the next Dáil will be.

“A lot comes down to the fourth and fifth count in the various constituencies. It’s very interesting to see that we’ll have about 20 new members in our parliamentary party. That gives us a great chance to reinvigorate the party as a whole.

“Considering that about 17 TDs stood for re-election in this election, our numbers will include refreshing new people in the party—many of them leaders in their constituencies—which is great. I think it’s a great opportunity for Fine Gael nationally to grow.”

Overall it was a momentous day for Fine Gael in Longford Westmeath with the party receiving 29.83% of the first preference vote. In addition to Minister Burke's poll topping performance, it looks highly likely that Senator Micheál Carrigy will win a seat at the expense of his fellow Longford man, Joe Flaherty from Fianna Fáil.

Minister Burke said Senator Carrigy, if elected, “is going to be an excellent addition to Dáil Éireann.

“I think everyone is aware of the huge work he's done for those with additional needs, leading the autism committee, coming out with the first autistic strategy, and really supporting autism-friendly policies, getting that through the Oireachtas as well is very important. So I think he'll be a huge asset to Dáil Éireann, and I look forward to working with him for the betterment of our constituency in the 34th Dáil.”