Buncrana LEA: Canning crosses the line eventually after nervous afternoon

Fianna Fáil’s Paul Canning had a nervous afternoon at the count at Carndonagh Community School on Sunday despite finishing third in first preferences in the Buncrana LEA with 1,267.

Having topped the poll in 2019, the Manorcunningham candidate saw his vote drop by 453.

He was finally elected on the final count along with Sinn Féin’s Terry Crossan and his running-mate Fionán Bradley.

His circumspection about the result was due to him being caught in 2009 by Labour’s Martin Farren and not taking a seat despite having more than 1,200 first preferences.

Martin McDermott amazed at ‘phenomenal’ vote in face of surge for 100% Redress

The Fianna Fáil candidate, who topped the poll in 2019, has retained his seat in the Carndonagh LEA  on the first count in face of a huge vote for 100% Redress candidate Ali Farren

That experience meant he was unable to relax until elected on the final count.

He was happy with his own performance but was surprised at the size of the vote for 100% Redress Party in the electoral area, where the party’s Joy Beard was elected on the first count.

“I am personally happy with my performance. We have a lot of work to finish but it is keeping it going now.”

The performance of 100% Redress, “who took votes in every box,” meant he was delighted to be left in the race and ultimately elected.

“They have taken those votes over the whole county.”

He said it was a good result for Fianna Fáil and Martin McDermott who took more than 2,000 first preferences in the Carndonagh LEA, in the face of the 100% Redress vote. 

“We have to take it on the chin and move on and keep it going.”