‘We are not here to win, we’re here to take over’

Turf cutters’ champion Michael Fitzmaurice swept to victory in Roscommon-South Leitrim, dealing a body blow to Fianna Fáil.

The vote was a two-horse race from the outset between Fianna Fáil’s Ivan Connaughton and Independent Michael Fitzmaurice.

Mr Fitzmaurice’s mantra of standing by the people seemed to have struck a chord with the electorate, and they voted for him in their droves across the constituency with a 53% turnout.