Politics

Labour loss as Aodhán Ó Ríordáin fails to retain seat

Minister of State says he was a victim of the anger aimed at the junior Coalition party

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: “I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: “I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said
Sarah Bardon
Wed Mar 02 2016 - 01:00

Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin became the latest Labour Party casualty yesterday as he failed to retain his seat in Dublin Bay North.

An emotional Mr Ó Ríordáin said he was a victim of the huge anger that existed at the junior Coalition party.

“The tide was out. People made a very clear decision they did not want the Government returned,” he said.

Mr Ó Riordáin, who became the 26th Labour TD to lose their seat , said the party was on the back foot for five years and it was difficult to progress.

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“Today is the first day of the comeback. Ireland needs the Labour Party and our value system. I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said.

Mr Ó Ríordáin lost his seat to Sinn Féin candidate Denise Mitchell. Independents Finian McGrath and Tommy Broughan, who had looked in difficulty, made a comeback to retain their seats in the closely fought five-seat constituency.