Political 'centre is holding in Offaly' says Feighery as he calls out 'opportunists'

The Fine Gael man promised he and other elected representatives will be honest with the people and “tell them what we are doing”.

With a huge first preference vote of 1962 Neil Feighery topped the poll and was elected on the first count in the Tullamore Electoral Area just after 2am on Sunday morning.

The Killoughey man comfortably exceeded the quota of 1459 when returning officer, Monica Cleary made the announcement at 2.10am.

He was raised aloft by family and supporters at an almost deserted count centre in Mucklagh.

Speaking to the Tribune he said there was now a huge obligation and responsibility on his shoulders and he promised to work hard for the people of the Tullamore Municipal District area.

Thanking voters, he confessed it was a humbling experience for him.

Recalling his first election in 2019, Cllr Feighery said he had been returned with a very strong mandate and noted the overall results were very positive for him personally and for Fine Gael.

He said the results were a testament to the type of politics espoused by Fine Gael – honesty and hard work.

The Holmshill resident said he had been particularly humbled by the huge vote he received in Killoughey – 80 per cent in one box alone in the area.

“That is testament to the spirit of the people of Killoughey, they crossed party boundaries to support one of their own.”

Speaking outside the community centre in Mucklagh, Cllr Feighery said he had also attracted a significant vote in the village and surrounding areas.

Looking forward to the five-year term ahead, the Tullamore poll-topper stressed the council faced some huge challenges.