While Fianna Fail candidate Martina Durkan has graciously accepted her defeat at the local election count in Threemilehouse, she has questioned if her party will ever get it right for the people of Ballybay-Clones. Durkan, received 417 first-preference votes but was eliminated after the after the 5th count with a total of 622 votes falling well short of securing a council seat for her party. Speaking to Northern Sound, Mrs Durkan expressed gratitude to her supporters of her candidacy for the party and highlighted the need for Fianna Fáil to reassess its electoral strategy in Ballybay-Clones. According to Ms Durkan, the result, where Fianna Fáil secured more first-preference votes than another party yet returned only one councillor, is a clear indication of underlying issues within our vote management strategy. Ms Durkan said that she "firmly" believes that with proper vote management and collaboration, her party can secure a second seat in future elections.
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Ms Durkan said; "I accept the electorate's decision in the Ballybay-Clones LEA election. While it was not the outcome any of us within the party hoped for, I am immensely grateful to the 417 individuals who placed their trust in me with their first-preference vote, and to all those who continued to support me through subsequent preferences. As a first time candidate I was incredibly humbled by the support given, it has been an incredible experience on this my first time out and I want to thank all those who I met throughout my canvas for their respect, generosity and engagement as I came to your door." She continued, "The result, where Fianna Fáil secured more first-preference votes than another party yet returned only one councillor, is a clear indication of underlying issues within our vote management strategy. This is not the first time our ticket has been split, as seen in the 2014 where 3 contested the election and in 2019 where only one candidate stood for elections, leading to similar disastrous outcomes. Despite our strong presence and the unwavering local support we hold, we have not succeeded in translating this into an additional council seat."
Durkan, who has served as the Secretary of the Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair (CC) for Ballybay-Clones for many years, expressed frustration over the party's candidate selection process. "I stood for the party, believing in our shared goals and vision for the community. Despite my commitment, once again, a third candidate was chosen and no vote management was put in place, resulting in our inability to secure a second seat. This reoccurring pattern necessitates introspection and change if we are to better serve our constituents." Reflecting on her decision to withdraw from the count centre, Durkan stated, "I chose to not present at the count centre as I could not on this occasion condone a process that consistently undermines our potential success. This is not about being a sore loser but about seeking and asking for a constructive path forward from those in our Party Head Quarters and also of those elected under the Fianna Fáil party banner, how can we get it right for those that are voting for the Fianna Fail party in in Ballybay-Clones, surely it is in everyone's interest to make use of the double quota we hold?'
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Durkan emphasised the need for Fianna Fáil to reflect and adapt: "As a party, we must undertake a thorough reflection on our approach and figure out what is not aligning with our electoral goals. Our local support has not diminished, and it is crucial to harness this support effectively. I firmly believe that with proper vote management and collaboration, we can secure a second seat in future elections."
Durkan also congratulated the elected candidates: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Seamus Coyle, Richard Truell, Sean Gilliland, Sinead Flynn and Pat Treanor on their election to Monaghan County Council. I wish them the very best of luck and integrity as they take on the responsibility of representing our community."
Looking ahead, Durkan reaffirmed her commitment to serving as the Local Area Representative for the Fianna Fáil Party. "I will continue to advocate for the needs of our community, addressing the issues that were brought to my attention during the campaign. My focus remains on securing much-needed services and support for the people of Ballybay-Clones.
