FINE Gael’s Johnny Flynn has retained his seat on Clare County Council, exceeding the quota after 12 counts.
Speaking just before his victory was confirmed the Ennis man said; “I was delighted with my vote and I’m grateful to everyone who supported me and to my family. This election is a clear indication to Government parties that people are feeling the pain of the austerity measures that unfortunately were required. Certainly I’ve learned from the canvass that people believed hard decisions had to be made but it’s how they impact on people’s lives.”
He said that the reduction of numbers on the county council and the abolition of town councils will increase the level of responsibility for those elected and that they need to “roll up their sleeves and get stuck in”.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.