'A huge honour': Cork's Billy Kelleher re-elected as MEP in Ireland South
Billy Kelleher (centre) celebrates as Tánaiste and party leader Micheál Martin (left) looks on at the count centre as counting continues at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
FIANNA Fáil’s Billy Kelleher has been re-elected as an MEP, becoming Ireland’s sixth confirmed European parliamentarian.
The Corkman celebrated with his staff at Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork.
“It is emotional to be adjudicated by your peers and to be found to be in good stead with them is a huge honour,” he said, thanking his wife, children and colleagues.
“Today really is a crowning achievement, to be vindicated for the last five years as their representative in Europe.”
Tanaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said “there’s a real prospect” of Mr Kelleher’s running mate Cynthia Ní Mhurchú taking a second seat.
“Suffice to say that the Fianna Fáil campaign was around the idea that we need to send serious, committed, pro-European Union candidates, be critical yes, but pro the union (to the European Parliament).”
A battle continues for the final three seats after five day of counting votes in the 10-county constituency of Ireland South.
Green Party representative Grace O’Sullivan this evening lost her seat as an MEP for Ireland South.
She is the fourth MEP to lose her seat nationwide after her party colleague Ciaran Cuffe, independent Clare Daly and Sinn Féin’s Chris MacManus.
In a statement, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Serving as a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South has been the honour of my life and I am extremely grateful to the people of Ireland South who trusted me with their votes in 2019, and in 2024. ” She said she “came close” to retaining her seat.
Ms O’Sullivan added: “While losing my seat is disappointing on a personal level, it is just the latest chapter in a long story.
“For over 40 years I have been standing up for what I believe in, and fighting for what is right.”
Independent TD Michael McNamara and Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion are expected to be elected after transferring well.
Outgoing Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan, will decide who wins the final seat – outgoing MEP Mick Wallace or Mr Kelleher’s running mate Cynthia Ní Mhurchú
App?
