Responding to the Presidential election result/tally in Meath East, Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke said; “This has been a stunning result for Catherine Connolly – a landslide victory – and she deserves huge credit for what she has achieved. She was an amazing candidate with a positive vision for the Presidency – a neutral Ireland, a united Ireland, and she is a voice independent of government.
“I want to thank Sinn Féin activists and supporters across Meath East. They put in a huge effort for Catherine and I’m glad to see that that effort has paid off. The combined opposition in Meath East and tens of thousands of ordinary people delivered an historic result.
“Our job now is to harness the energy and hope represented in this vote and direct it towards achieving new leadership for Ireland. This positive campaign was a stark contrast to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and in particular the negative campaign fought by Fine Gael. During this Presidency we are also likely to see a poll on Irish Unity and the government needs to start preparing for it.
100% of boxes tallied in Meath East
“Today’s vote represents a resounding defeat for the politics of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, in the aftermath of a budget that left workers worse off. Fine Gael have also been punished for their decision to block other candidates getting on the ballot paper.
“I know, too, that there are many others who were disconnected and disaffected. I know there are those who felt unheard, unrepresented, and ignored by the system. This is reflected in the spoiled vote and in the overall turnout. I want those people to know that Sinn Féin hears them and we will respond with engagement and action.”
