Politics

‘An important day for Ireland,’ says Enda Kenny as he casts vote

Taoiseach hopes everyone ‘accepts their responsibility and goes out to vote’

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnuala voted in the general election at St. Anthonys National School Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Video: REUTERS
Tom Shiel
Fri Feb 26 2016 - 16:56

Taoiseach Enda Kenny took his longest tea break in months this morning after casting his vote just after 10am in his home town of Castlebar in Co Mayo.

Along with his wife, Fionnuala, he chatted with Mayo returning officer Fintan Murphy and others for up to half an hour in a private area at St Anthony’s National School on the outskirts of the town.

Earlier Fionnuala and then Mr Kenny voted with the Taoiseach patting the ballot box as afterwards, a habit of his on polling day.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny talls to local resident Bridie McLaughlin after he cast his vote in Castlebar. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/Bloomberg
Taoiseach Enda Kenny talls to local resident Bridie McLaughlin after he cast his vote in Castlebar. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/Bloomberg
Taoiseach Enda Kenny waves to member of the media after voting in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/Bloomberg
Taoiseach Enda Kenny waves to member of the media after voting in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/Bloomberg

As he exited the voting area to a waiting group of photographers and reporters Mr Kenny was asked: “Job done?”

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“Well”, Mr Kenny mused in reply, “two votes cast there. I just hope that everyone around the country accepts their responsibility and goes out to vote and do their constitutional duty.”

After voting Mr Kenny spoke briefly to Bridget McLoughlin an 88-year-old local woman. “Oh Jesus”, Ms McLoughlin said repeatedly as the media scrum tightened around her and Mr Kenny.