James Bannon bows out but mulls legal option due to ‘miniscule margin’

It was an emotional end to a colourful political career for James Bannon.

Fri, 04 Mar, 2016 - 00:00

Elaine Loughlin

The out-going Fine Gael TD said it was “shocking” that Longford residents are now left without a representative from their county in Dáil Éireann.

Mr Bannon lost out after a painstaking recount — which finished up at 5.30am yesterday — put him just six votes behind Labour’s Willie Penrose.

Afterwards, Mr Bannon said he would be looking at possible legal options given the minuscule margin.

Fianna Fáil’s Robert Troy topped the poll, while Fine Gael’s Peter Burke, Independent Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, and Mr Penrose took the other three seats.

Mr Penrose’s win was a significant one for the Labour party as it means they have reached the quota of seven elected members needed to retain speaking rights in Leinster House.

Speaking after being eliminated, Mr Bannon said it had been a “great honour” to represent his constituents in Longford-Westmeath and did not rule out a return to politics.

He was eliminated after the 14th count in Longford-Westmeath which was the last constituency to finish counting after Friday’s general election.

Mr Bannon said: “It’s a sad day for me and my family and I have had the privilege of representing the people of Longford and indeed Westmeath in Leinster House since 2007, it has been a great honour.

“It is indeed shocking that Co Longford is left without national representation and I look forward once again to representing the people of Longford and Westmeath perhaps in the near future.”

A native of Legan in Co Longford, he worked as a farmer and auctioneer before entering politics as a county councillor in 1985.

He was a senator for five years before being elected to Dáil Éireann.

Mr Bannon did not rule out taking legal action given the tiny number of votes which came between him and Mr Penrose.

He said: “The margin of my defeat is very narrow and I will take advice and make a decision in a timely manner whether to pursue a legal option.”

But he bowed out gracefully by both congratulating those who had been elected and thanking the returning officer along with those involved in the count.“I would also like to commiserate with my friend and colleague Gabrielle McFadden who I sincerely hope will remain in public life.”