VIDEO: Crowley all but makes a bid for presidency

Ireland South voting sensation Brian Crowley all but made a bid for the presidency as he recorded a fifth poll-topping European election, with his team likening him to the much- loved US president, Franklin Roosevelt.

In a press statement after his election, Team Crowley said Roosevelt’s disability “deepened his understanding of human nature and brought him into direct contact with the less fortunate in society”.

“After his death, his wife Eleanor remarked that his disability proved a blessing in disguise, giving him strength, an understanding of human suffering, and knowledge that it could be overcome. He also knew that with spiritual and physical courage, there is no situation that could not be met,” the statement read.

“Many people see Roosevelt comparisons with Brian Crowley and the future looks very exciting for this political phenomenon.”

With 180,329 votes in the sprawling 10 counties of Ireland South, Mr Crowley took 27.42% of the vote, exceeding the quota by 48,829 votes and securing a seat on the first count.

“The last time I was anxious to go forward [for the presidency) [but the party decided not to field a candidate,” Europe’s longest serving MEP said.

“To be president of your country, it’s the highest elected office in the land and it’s a great honour and privilege to be even thought of to fill those shoes.

“If the opportunity presents itself again, we’ll wait and see.”

It was a long day at the Nemo Rangers count centre in Cork yesterday with the first count not announced until shortly before 1pm and the second after 6pm. Nobody was elected in the second count or third, but independents Donal O’Riordain and Peter O’Loughlin were eliminated as was Jan Van de Ven of Direct Democracy.

The second seat went to Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada before 10pm with 132,590 votes in the fourth count. Independent Jillian Godsil was then eliminated. Sitting Fine Gael MEP, Seán Kelly was on course to take the third Ireland South seat.

The fourth seat remained up in the air last night as many of the early transfers from eliminated left-leaning candidates went to other low polling left and independent candidates.

Sinn Féin’s Deirdre Clune and Simon Harris along with Fianna Fáil’s Kieran Hartley were up in front for that fourth seat but a dark horse like Independent Diarmuid O’Flynn was still being given an outside chance by some as he was doing well on transfers.

Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, who only started campaigning 10 weeks ago, polled very strongly. He said he believes he benefited from his youth, the shortage of establishment candidates in the South East, and a good performance in debates. He could also stand to benefit from transfers from Waterford-based Grace O’Sullivan and south-eastern based transfers from Labour’s Phil Prendergast.

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