Out of the race and out of the spotlight

THERE is nothing as cruel as the fall experienced by election candidates as they realise they have been unceremoniously cast aside by the electorate.

Minutes before North Kildare’s final count result was announced on Saturday, Fianna Fáil’s Áine Brady and Independent Catherine Murphy were live on RTÉ from a corner of the Naas count centre.

Immediately afterwards both were miked-up to take to the makeshift platform, but the producer never called on Áine Brady.

Frustrated, she pulled off her earpiece and stepped down from the stage. Her election was over.

Fine Gael’s Darren Scully, eliminated in the fourth count, learned the same lesson minutes later.

Leaping up in front of the camera beside party leader Enda Kenny, he was quickly beckoned down. His time on the airwaves had come to an abrupt end.

But of all those who failed to make the grade, it was Darren Scully who remained the most upbeat.

“I want people to realise something. To go out there, to put your head above the parapet is a big undertaking. North Kildare should be proud of the people who want to stand and serve them in public office and the real victors here are the people of North Kildare,” he said.

At the far end of the emotional spectrum Catherine Murphy outlined her successful formula as she posed with her husband for the cameras.

“Hard work, years of experience, staying focused,” had won her Charlie McCreevy’s seat and made history, she said.

“I know I’m making history as I’m the first woman to have been elected since this State was founded in this constituency. I’m thrilled to bits, not just for me, but for the team that for years worked with me. My victory is their victory,” she said.

Of all the candidates, the colourful Green Party representative JJ Power was the least fazed at having lost.

“The Green Party will always be a small party. But I had a look at the other party’s figures and we seem to be holding our own, which I suppose isn’t too bad,” he said.

And in perhaps the most pertinent comment of the day, he took a swipe at all those who had lost sight of the bigger picture.

“I have to thank the 40% of the people who did come out and I’d have to ask the 60% who stayed at home what they think they can achieve by staying at home,” he said.