Simon Harris arrived at the Galway West count centre and greeted Sean Kyne with a warm embrace as the count neared 4pm with three candidates remaining. Harris expressed delight at being in sunny Galway and praised Kyne’s campaign as incredible. Fine Gael sentiment framed Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton as a key figure for a historic by-election outcome, with praise for her intensive effort. Kyne, known for steadiness, appeared more at ease in the calmer Sunday environment, though still slightly uncomfortable. Supporters hugged him, and he voiced impatience for the process to finish while emphasizing he was encouraged by first preferences and incoming transfers, remaining hopeful but acknowledging more hours were needed.
"An ebullient Harris told the media he was "Absolutely delighted" and "really pleased", thrilled even, "to be here in lovely sunny Galway." "I'm always very fond of Galway but especially so today. It is great to be here with Sean Kyne who ran an absolutely incredible campaign.""
"The feeling in Fine Gael is Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton is the kingmaker for what a historic by-election result for the party. "She worked her arse off for Sean," said one TD."
"But Kyne himself - steady and serious by reputation has shown enormous reserves over what has been a bruising run of elections. The more subdued count centre on Sunday was more his speed, than the frantic excitement of early tallies on Saturday. He looked more at ease, but still slightly ill-at ease. Even more people were hugging him. He was trying to raise a smile."
"Speaking shortly before the last count was announced- when he was clearly on track to win, he said: "I wish it was all over". "I wish it was completed and there was more certainty on it. "But you know I am heartened by the vote I have received - the first preference and all the transfers that have come in. And I am hopeful that we will get a positive result, but we still have some hours to go.""
Read at Irish Independent
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