Healy Eames surprised at collapse in support
Fidelma Healy Eames has expressed surprise at the massive drop in support for her in the General Election in Galway West.
Polling just 1,394 first preference votes in polling stations on Friday, her support was down by almost three-quarters on her 2011 first preferences of 5,046.
She told ctrib2019.wpengine.com: “Look, it wasn’t to be. I’m disappointed obviously. The people have ultimately decided. I respect that completely.”
On the 72% drop in support, she said she was “surprised”.
“To be honest with you, that was [a surprise] because I had over 7,000 votes in 2011 and lost my seat by 45 votes, but this wasn’t my day. There’s really no more to say.”
Asked about her future in politics, she said she has not made a decision.
“Well, I’m still in the Seanad, I’m not going to make any big decisions today. Obviously it’s a conversation for another day.”
She was eliminated in the fifth count, with just 1,657 votes.