General Election: History as Charles Ward takes Dáil seat for 100% Redress

The 100% Redress party have taken a historic seat in Dáil Éireann after Charles Ward was elected amid euphoric scenes in the early hours of Monday.

Ward, a homeowner affected by defective concrete, was elected on the 16th count and carried shoulder high by supporters and party colleagues.

The 100% Redress party was officially formed in September 2023 in response to the defective blocks crisis, which is blighting thousands of homes across Donegal.

The party won four seats on Donegal County Council at the local elections in June when Joy Beard, Tomas Sean Devine, Ali Farren and Denis McGee were elected. Having taken over 7,000 first preference votes, there was a tidal wave of support throwing the mission towards Leinster House.

After taking 6,862 first preference votes, Ward seemed to be in a dogfight for transfers, but he swept into the fourth seat.

Ward took 39% of transfers from Mary T Sweeney, that surge of 1,318 votes on the 11th count taking him significantly up the pecking order having taken 27%, or 598 votes on the elimination of Niall McConnell on the preceding count.

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A healthcare worker from Arranmore who lives in Drumkeen, father-of-four Ward ran in the local elections, but did not get a seat in the Lifford-Stranorlar area.

Earlier in the day, Mica Action Group Chairperson Lisa Hone said the possible election of Ward as a TD would represent an “evolution”.