New Ballina Cathaoirleach criticises length of local election count

The new Cathoirleach of Ballina Municipal District has criticised the election process in Mayo which led to the ‘neglected’ north Mayo area being the last area to be counted in the country.

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Loftus stated this afternoon after he was elected chair that he had a problem with the count and he suggested a deputy returning officer should be appointed.

“It is something that they may have to be addressed in Castlebar (at the next meeting of Mayo County Council). I know there was a lot of work going on in the Swinford count but we seemed to be neglected an awful lot and I think it could have been done an awful lot quicker and I felt we were really left hanging,” he said. “I would make a suggestion that there should be a deputy returning officer appointed to go into the different count rooms. One person in charge could have a few people that would make it easier when the counts are being carried out, it could be done quicker and more efficiently.”

Tom Gilligan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, congratulated Cllr Loftus and Cllr Jarlath Munnelly (the new Leas Cathaoirleach) on their new roles.

“It was a long campaign but an even longer count,” he added.

Mr Gilligan quipped that he heard talk at the time of the lengthy delay to bring back electronic voting.

“I definitely think going forward it is something we might have to look at,” he said. “Ballina had the distinction of being the last electoral area to be counted in the country so hopefully that won’t happen again.”