Healy second preferences will be interesting

Tracey O'Dwyer and her campaign team at yesterday's tally count.

One of the first very interesting things to watch in the Newbridge LEA count when it gets under way this afternoon will be to see where front-runner Fiona McLoughlin Healy's strong surplus will go, writes Brian Byrne.

As an Independent, her campaign wasn't aimed at helping any other candidate so her second preferences could go anywhere.

There's some thought that they might favour other women candidates, so FG's Peggy O'Dwyer who is also based in Newbridge town might get some, and possibly Antoinette Buckley of Fianna Fail's Newbridge connection could garner a share. The peripheral position of FG Tracey O'Dwyer in Kilcullen/Brannockstown/Two Mile House might leave her out of a share of the spoils. Or not.

Then there's the real possibility that local transfers could work to elect two councillors for Kilcullen, if the town's electorate used their 1s and 2s cleverly for Tracey O'Dwyer and Antoinette Buckley.

But the truth is, we just don't know. This is going to be a very interesting afternoon.


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