And just like that – after months of speculation, debate and predictions, the General Election in Laois for 2024 is over.
We went into the contest with three TDs and one retired before the election was called, Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan.
In his place, his part ran Willie Aird and he did what he has always done – topped the poll.
The Fine Gael TD was elected after the Fifth Count following the elimination of Rosie Palmer (Green Party).
It continues his incredible record of being elected – first to Portlaoise Town Commission 45 years ago in 1979, then to Laois County Council at Local Elections in 1985, 1991, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024.
At local level he has topped the poll in each of the last five Local Elections in the Portlaoise area.
Fianna Fail’s Sean Fleming was in next as he continued his remarkable political performance.
First elected in 1997, he has held his seat in each of the subsequent elections.
That was 2002, 2007, 2011, 2016 (when he topped the poll for the first time) 2020 and now, 2024.
And then finally, Brian Stanley, formerly of Sinn Fein and now an Independent, took the final seat.
First elected in 2011, Stanley has now retained his seat following success in 2016 and 2020.
Photographer Paul Dargan was in the count centre all day Saturday and until proceedings concluded on Sunday afternoon.
Across the two days, he captured some brilliant images.
Check them out below:
