'He's my son!' Limerick's mayoral front-runner gets ringing endorsement from his mum

Bridie Moran has been on the campaign trail for her son John Moran who racked up 18,308 first preferences after the first count in historic mayoral election 

Front-runner John Moran sharing a joke with his mother, Bridie Moran, and supporters at the election count centre at Limerick Racecourse. Picture: Don Moloney

Turning 80 last September was no big deal for Bridie Moran as she takes aging in her stride — however, the Brosna west Limerick native’s eyes lit up with excitement when speaking about her son John, who led the race to be Limerick’s first directly elected mayor.

Mr Moran, a former general secretary at the Department of Finance, hit the ground running, collecting an impressive 18,308 first preference votes after the first count at the Limerick Racecourse count centre in Patrickswell.

A chasing pack of four was seeking vote transfers to stay in the hunt, although the gap between them and the front-runner Mr Moran was likely to be too wide to bridge.

Limerick mayoral election candidates John Moran and Brian Leddin chatting as the count continues at Limerick Racecourse. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Nearest to Mr Moran, but trailing by almost 6,000 votes, was independent candidate with roots in Fine Gael, Helen O’Donnell, who secured 12, 903 first preferences.

She was followed closely by Dee Ryan of Fianna Fáil on 11,785; Daniel Butler of Fine Gael on 10,190; and Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan on 8,331 first preferences.

Mr Moran remained tightlipped about his performance, but his mother was happy to confirm her pride in his front-standing, and announced she had even helped him on the hustings.

“I am very proud of John,” Ms Moran said.

Fianna Fail's Dee Ryan at the count centre at Limerick Racecourse as the count continues in Limerick's historic mayoral election. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

“I had it easier than other canvassers though, I only did certain hour and half hours here and there, I didn’t do much canvassing as age got the better of me, probably.

“He is the front runner, at the moment, and yes of course, I am hopeful he will get over the line, he is my son.”

As the fifth count came and went, Mr Moran’s lead stayed the course with 5,343 between him and nearest threat O’Donnell.

However, Sinn Féin Maurice Quinlivan, whose vote increased to 8,693, said he was not throwing in the towel, despite being 10,000 votes behind Mr Moran.

Acknowledging that “John Moran is still obviously in the lead”, Quinlivan held on to the prospect that transfers may help.

“Transfers are going to come into play for everybody,” he said. “It’s going to be a long night and there is no way of knowing what way those transfers are going to go. The dynamics could change dramatically as the count progresses,” said Mr Quinlivan.

“John Moran is the front runner, he is well out in front but he could be caught by a number of candidates. I’m not ruling myself out yet, but I would have wished I would have polled [better]. it’s slightly disappointing.

“But the votes haven’t been fully counted yet, there are a lot of transfers to go and we’ll see how it pans out.

“We [Sinn Féin] would have wished to have got more first preferences, but it’s not a disaster, by any means.”

It was also a disappointing day for the other TD in the race, Brian Leddin of the Green Party who found just 2,303 first preferences and was eliminated on Count 5.

Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea contemplated whether he would run for the €160,000-a-year job when his Dáil career does end.

“It’s a very attractive job alright, there is no question about that... never say never,” Mr O’Dea said.