Cllr Johnny Guirke expected to play major role in rebuilding SF in Meath

Oldcastle's Johnny Guirke, the Sinn Fein councillor re-elected to Meath County Council at the weekend, will now play a strong role in re-building  the party in Meath.

Cllr Guirke bucked the party trend and increased his vote in the local election by eight per cent, and in his local area of Oldcastle increased it by over 50 per cent.

With a massive 1678 first preferences, Cllr Guirke was one of the strongest candidates in the race.

"I am pleased with my own vote. There were people who got a third of that and still got elected," he said.

Cllr Guirke's success can be put down to his hard work on Meath County Council and in the Kells electoral area.

He was disappointed that his colleagues had lost their seats but is confident that they will be back and he will be working hard to help rebuild the party.

He thanked the voters for putting their trust in him for another term.

"This wouldn't have been possible without you all voting, so thank you. I would like to thank Team Guirke 2019 for all their hard work in this campaign, people who canvassed, people who hung up and took down posters, handed out leaflets, my PR and media team, my neighbours, friends and family.

"I have to mention my lovely wife, Mary and children, Emer, Sean and Roisin who have been supporting me 100 per cent in this campaign.

"Some people were missing, but not forgotten. My mother, Anna, who passed away nine weeks ago, Cllr Joe Reilly and Michael Fitzsimons, who were all part of my journey in the party.

"Thank you all so much. The work starts now," he said.