REACTION: Eliminated Offaly candidate says Greens will regroup and focus on future

That's according to the party's candidate in the local elections in the Tullamore Electoral Area, Liam Walsh who was eliminated on the third count. He secured 394 first preference votes.

Speaking to OffalyLive after his elimination, the Green party man said he thoroughly enjoyed the election campaign and meeting with voters on the doorsteps.

"I have been campaigning since last July as I wanted to find out the issues which mattered to people," he outlined.

From this feedback he highlighted, in his campaign, issues such as derelict buildings, the need for a better train service, regeneration of town centres and climate change.

"The train issue was a big one and it was obvious we need a later train service from Heuston to Tullamore and Clara," said Mr Walsh who organised a petition on the issue which has been signed by more than 1700 people.

He noted that the local elections had proved a mixed bag for the Greens with some of their candidates topping the polls in areas of Dublin.

Mr Walsh acknowledged the rural vote was different but stressed the importance of "engaging with farmers as friends".

"We need to be seen as friends of the farming community and work together," said Mr Walsh who also said he recognised the importance of compensation being provided to farmers for environmental measures.

The Green party man said affordable housing and the rejuvenation of town centres was vital.

"We have a huge opportunity to rejuvenate town centres and provide much needed housing there."

Mr Walsh confirmed he was passionate about green issues and said he would remain active in politics.

He said that Minister Pippa Hackett would be the party's candidate in the next General Election.

Mr Walsh extended thanks to all those who voted for him and those who campaigned with him over the past number of months – Marcus Kirwan, Joe Stewart, Gaelan Elliffe, Sandra O'Connor, Georgina Condron and Joanne Troy.