Constituency wrap: Clare

LABOUR’S first TD elected in Clare in 19 years said “a huge canvass” was the main reason behind his surprise win.

Former UN human rights lawyer Michael McNamara polled second-highest to secure Labour’s first seat in Clare since Dr Moosajee Bhamjee caused a major shock when elected in 1992.

A Scarriff-based farmer and barrister, McNamara secured 15% of the vote — a remarkable turnaround for Labour in Clare after taking only 1.6% of the vote in 2007.

Fine Gael improved its share of the vote by 7% with Pat Breen and Joe Carey retaining seats.

With one less candidate in the field, Fianna Fáil’s share halved to 22% with sitting TD Timmy Dooley relying on the transfers of Dr John Hillery to beat independent James Breen and being elected without reaching the quota.

Poll-topper in 2007, Dooley said: “I thought we did well to hold a seat in the county.”