European ballot sheets ready for counting earlier this week at the Midlands North-West count centre in the TF Royal in Castlebar. That job concluded in the early hours of this morning. Photo: Alison Laredo

Cowen and Mullooly take MEP seats

Published: Fri 14 Jun 2024, 9:42 AM

Last updated: Fri 14 Jun 2024, 10:10 AM

THE final four seats in the five-seat Midlands North-West constituency were filled in the early hours of this morning as counting of votes concluded at the TF Royal in Castlebar.

Joining Luke 'Ming' Flanagan in Brussels, who was elected earlier in the evening, are Barry Cowen, Fianna Fail, outgoing Mayo MEP Maria Walsh, her Fine Gael running mate Nina Carberry and Independent Ireland's Ciaran Mullooly.

It took until the 21st count to decide the last seat, with went to Mullooly ahead of Sinn Féin's Michelle Gildernew.

The five seats, therefore, went to Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (Independent), Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen, Fine Gael's Nina Carberry and Maria Walsh and Independent Ireland's Ciaran Mullooly.

Honoured to be elected as an MEP for #midlandsnorthwest. Thank you most sincerely for all of your support. I look forward to representing you and this region diligently in the years ahead 🇪🇺💚 pic.twitter.com/Hn2Y8uqrfy
— Barry Cowen (@CowenBarry) June 14, 2024

Cowen's election to the European Parliament creates a Dáil vacancy in Laois/Offaly - and speculation as already kicked in over the Government's plans regarding four separate by-elections sparked by the European vote, after TDs, Aodhan O'Riordain, Michael McNamara and Kathleen Funchion were also elected to the European Parliament.

What a night! what a fantastic team ! Now to bed ….for some well earned rest. 😩 pic.twitter.com/Plef43fY1u
— Ciaran Mullooly MEP (@ciaranmullooly) June 14, 2024