Elaine Loughlin: Memories of austerity years have faded for Labour with MEP win  

Just like the far-right which appeared on ballot papers under a myriad of banners, the left is splintered

European Labour candidate Aodhán Ó Ríordáin celebrates alongside party leader Ivana Bacik, right, after being elected for the Dublin constituency at the RDS count centre, Dublin, on Tuesday. Picture: Gareth Chaney/PA

As trestle tables were being dismantled and loaded onto pallets, sporadic claps and cheers rose up from a group who lingered at the RDS count centre.

While the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald made a quick exit after the 19th count that saw their party candidates elected, members of the Labour party wanted to savour the moment.