VIDEO: Poll-topper Burke 'humbled'

Minister Peter Burke says that he is "humbled" to have topped the poll in Longford and Westmeath.

The Mullingar native's mother Mary passed away in October. He said that he would love to have her and his late father Peter Snr with him to celebrate his greatest day as a TD.

"Before the election I lost my mum, which was very difficult starting into the campaign. I was here five years ago [with my parents] and today they are not with me. I would love to have had them here with me. They were my chief advisors in politics.

" I am so grateful to the people of Mullingar, north Westmeath and the entire constituency for placing their faith in me.

"I will work so hard and do everything I can to vindicate their faith and their hopes for the future."

Minister Burke is the first Fine Gael candidate since Paddy Cooney in 1973 to have topped the poll in the constituency,