ANALYSIS: Huge Local Election support for political families in Thurles
Candidates wracked up a whopping total of 4,498 first-preference votes
One clear pattern from the 2024 Local Elections is that Thurles supports its political families.
Candidates from political families wracked up a whopping total of 4,498 first-preference votes.
Micheál Lowry, Peggy Ryan and Kay Cahill Skehan have all followed others in their family into public life.
CAPTION:Kay Cahill Skehan (FF) celebrates with family
“I only got into politics really because of Jackie. We were always a political family but since he got in I’ve been helping him and I’ve learned a bit of the ropes. I’m delighted and it’s a great achievement,” said Ms Cahill.
Ms Cahill Skehan takes the seat vacated by Seamus Hanafin, whose family represented Thurles for 74 years.
Micheál Lowry is of course the son of Tipperary TD Michael Lowry and the family hails from Holycross. Michael Lowry told the Tipperary Star that he was proud to see his son re-elected.
CAPTION: Micheál Lowry celebrates with his father TD Michael Lowry. Pictures: Eamonn McGee
Peggy Ryan’s brother Peter was a councillor until 2021, when stepped down and his sister took his seat.
When she was re-elected on Sunday, Ms Ryan was multitasking while comforting her daughter.
It was a touching moment in all the rush and excitement of the 48-hour rush of counting and reporting.
After her re-election, Ms Ryan told the Tipperary Star that she was very happy to be returning to the council chamber.
“I feel elated. I’m really proud to represent my area and really appreciative of those who put their faith in me,” said Ms Ryan.
It is tempting to speculate that the results of this year’s Local Elections are a sign of support for the Government parties.
That may well yet prove to be so.
But, another possibility, at least in Thurles, is that the results are a reflection of loyalty to the generations who represent or have represented the interests of the area.