Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The doctor's long wait: Will James Reilly lose his seat in Dublin Fingal?

It’s down to the wire for the Fine Gael deputy leader, at the National Show Centre. Counting’s back under way at 10am.
Updated at 1.05am
We lost Alan Shatter of course, earlier today. We’re hoping we don’t lose James as well.

— A FINE GAEL source speaking to TheJournal.ie at the Dublin Fingal count centre earlier tonight wasn’t overly confident the party’s deputy leader would take a seat. But he wasn’t ruling it out entirely either.

Since early in the morning, it’s looked likely Dr James Reilly could be on his way out of the Dáil.

Opinion as to his fate has swung back and forth in the intervening hours.

And the fact that there was a long, long delay before the first count could even be announced did little for the nerves of the Fine Gael team camped out at the National Show Centre, not far from the airport.

What’s happening?

Reflecting the national trend, it’s been a good day for Fianna Fáil and ‘independents and others’ in the north Dublin constituency.

Darragh O’Brien, the FF senator, topped the poll and claimed the first seat. Socialist TD turned independent Clare Daly joined him in the Dáil at around 10pm, and the next two seats look likely to go to Labour’s Brendan Ryan and FG’s Alan Farrell.
https://vine.co/v/i620p1xwVt0

The emerging wisdom earlier was that it was a two-way battle for the last seat between Reilly and the Sinn Féin candidate, Louise O’Reilly. But Fianna Fáil’s second candidate Lorraine Clifford-Lee started coming back into the mix as the evening wore on.

It was thought the transfers of Gerry Molloy of Renua could help Reilly – but he received only a slight boost from that elimination.

The Green Party candidate’s votes are the latest to have been redistributed. But around an hour after that count started, as the results were about to be read out, chatter began to emerge about a possible recheck of ballots.

That official request was made by Councillor Barry Martin’s team just before 1am, as only a few votes separated him and Clifford-Lee.

It’s still likely Martin – a running mate of Daly – will be next eliminated.

Speaking to this website just before she left the count centre at 1am Clifford-Lee said she was still hopeful of overtaking James Reilly to finish in sixth place in the five-seater.

Earlier, Daly said she expected Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil would form an administration in the coming weeks, observing:

“I know that’s not the popular view, but the price of power is a compelling matchmaker.”

On whether or not Reilly would be part of that coalition, she said she wouldn’t rule him out (note – this was at around 10pm, her analysis may well have changed):

I’ve no idea, I was very surprised to hear this morning… I would have given him, before this, I would have given him the third seat so I’m kind of shocked. He’s proved transfer-unfriendly so far but that may change with some of the more right-wing people who are about to be eliminated.

Daragh Brophy / YouTube

With staff tiring, the returning officer made the decision to begin again at 10am.

But at this stage, it’s really not looking good for Reilly.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
53 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheBull
    Favourite TheBull
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:31 PM

    Fingers crossed……. We never hear from him ever again.

    356
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james
    Favourite james
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:32 PM

    Back to the Dubliners tribute band.

    201
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ben Connolly
    Favourite Ben Connolly
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:42 PM

    Go back to being a doctor and make another fortune you pr!CK

    166
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robin Tobin
    Favourite Robin Tobin
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:43 PM

    The bull that why I did not vote. I don’t want to hear from any of them again. Fed up with this voting to make them selfish idiots all rich. Good bye Mr Reilly what did you do for the citizens of Ireland but take their money and stuff your pockets.

    114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:44 PM
    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:44 PM
    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rowe
    Favourite Rowe
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:52 PM

    Back to Star Wars Chewbacca.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Allsopp
    Favourite Mary Allsopp
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 12:42 AM

    U said u didn’t vote therefore u really have no say in what’s happening.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Cunningham
    Favourite Michael Cunningham
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 3:38 AM

    Easily the WORST minister for health in my lifetime. Made a complete dogs dinner of the HSE and managed pss off absolutely everyone in the process.

    The number of lost jobs, closed hospitals, loss of services & frontline staff; savage unilateral wage cuts to nurses, paramedics, junior docs. Worst trolley figures in our history. But Senior management & consultants untouched.

    A lost generation of young doctors & nurses we’ll struggle to get back, if ever.

    There should be a special place in hell for such a pr*k.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 9:11 AM

    Wrote a letter to Roscommon voters promising to keep locsl A&E open, soon as he got in he closed it the lying , disgusting ratbag!

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute pat seery
    Favourite pat seery
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 9:35 AM

    There looking for a Doctor in west Clare

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jean Keely
    Favourite Jean Keely
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:40 PM

    I held out great hope for him when he took over health but he proved to be worse than Mary Harney no loss if he goes

    338
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Sherman
    Favourite Dave Sherman
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:50 PM

    Minister of Disappointment.

    229
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:19 PM

    Clare Daly labelling SF a sectarian austerity party, which should be avoided, may prove decisive. Interesting times.

    44
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bmul
    Favourite bmul
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:32 PM

    She’s correct

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán O'Ceallaghan
    Favourite Seán O'Ceallaghan
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:49 PM

    Why did she move back to a independent?

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute garymcmanus
    Favourite garymcmanus
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:46 PM

    He was our local gp and he owns the local medical center, haven’t seen him locally in a long time and that’s probably why he’s gonna lose his seat , he has his fingers in a lot of Pies so I’m sure he won’t starve

    137
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis Kiely
    Favourite Denis Kiely
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:35 PM

    Hopefully another dodgy politician binned ! Fingers crossed.

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:47 PM

    But T.D’s get a massive amount of money for loosing their seats don’t they?
    Then the pensions kick in?

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catherine Mc
    Favourite Catherine Mc
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:18 PM

    I think that has changed, but I could be wrong, unless your a certain age. I stand to be corrected on this.

    25
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Ní Ealóid
    Favourite Fiona Ní Ealóid
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 8:39 AM

    Any chance of an article to answer this question? Pretty relevant today.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Mar 3rd 2016, 1:16 AM

    You get a pension now after 6 months I believe?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:36 PM

    Hopefully the voters will give that waste of space his P45.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Cormican
    Favourite Shane Cormican
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:27 PM

    But sure he will be back into the senate then and wait for next election

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denise Monahan
    Favourite Denise Monahan
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:53 PM

    Varadker is worse in health, statically speaking.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul O Sullivan
    Favourite Paul O Sullivan
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:56 PM

    Job bridge if he doesn’t find anything by the summer.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave cullen
    Favourite Dave cullen
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:40 PM

    Haven’t heard a lot from Reilly during the run up,they would have done better hiding angry Alan Kelly away to secure his seat.Seems fg advisors do have a use.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraig Nolan
    Favourite Padraig Nolan
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:44 PM

    Good ya bollix

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul O Donnell
    Favourite Paul O Donnell
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:50 PM

    I hope he goes, he is just a Brendan Grace wannabe.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Ward
    Favourite John Ward
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:10 PM

    Henry VIII wannabe!

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jane
    Favourite jane
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:23 PM

    Brendan graces character on father ted, voices are identical.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Angelic Lestat
    Favourite Angelic Lestat
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:32 PM

    Hope so!

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Evans
    Favourite Dave Evans
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 12:26 AM

    Bye bye Georgie Burgess.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:36 PM

    Be prepared for a ‘disapproving look’!

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kane Abel
    Favourite Kane Abel
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 12:06 AM

    Good riddance….. What a liability…..

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Delta Ball
    Favourite Delta Ball
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 2:04 AM

    Arrogant, Self- centred, Disorganised, Condescending, Horrible person.

    Shut the door behind you.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith Wizzy
    Favourite Keith Wizzy
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 3:06 AM

    He was a grubby arrogant useless doctor when we used to send clients to him. Hope he’s lost.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Josie
    Favourite Josie
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:35 PM

    Why should he?

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:44 PM

    Let’s see…..
    In opposition…
    ” The 50 cent charge on medical card prescriptions is outrageous…..it will result in older patients and those in difficult financial situations not taking their medications and end up costing us more in the long run”
    In power…
    “The prescription charge will be increased to €2.50 per item”

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 2:07 AM

    I genuinely thought James O’Reilly would have done well in Health – hom being a doctor. Unfortunately he made little difference – Then again what Minister for Health in the last 20yrs has made a difference. It seems this is the most demanding job in Gov.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sparky
    Favourite sparky
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 2:20 AM

    @james so did I. Until I heard him speak..the left are to fragmented to form any sort of government.iw is the ball they dropped big time.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sparky
    Favourite sparky
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 1:29 AM

    There are no policital party winner’s from this election,only the public..we have given them the problem they didn’t want.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Delaney
    Favourite James Delaney
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 2:02 AM

    @sparky. Unlikely FG & FF will come together. Therefore the Left hold the balance of power. Water Charges will be gone al least & hopefully more. Sth Dublin vited FG – They obviously felt the recovery – Nowhere did !

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Gallagher
    Favourite Martin Gallagher
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 4:02 AM

    Face like a burst mattress

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nick Menezes
    Favourite Nick Menezes
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 8:55 AM

    Good riddance to Reilly,called to my door and absolutely dodged every single one of my questions,as a younger voter I found him to be absolutely condescending and arrogant.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute C O'Neill
    Favourite C O'Neill
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 12:58 AM

    Not looking good…

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Josie
    Favourite Josie
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 10:37 PM

    *stay?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Feb 27th 2016, 11:08 PM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diane Cauldwell
    Favourite Diane Cauldwell
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 10:08 AM

    His free gifts to children at their schools is probably the worse stunt ever! Pr!@k

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul MacNulty
    Favourite Paul MacNulty
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 12:46 PM

    He has been Doctored…….

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Carberry
    Favourite Ronan Carberry
    Report
    Feb 28th 2016, 1:46 AM

    Jesus wept. How do the likes of Claire Daly get elected ahead of someone like Shatter! Don’t give me because she cares and knows what the people want – lowest common denominator yet again.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds