DDI to open offices in Galway city and county

TUAM’S newest political contender was the first to fall at the Galway East count in New Inn yesterday (Saturday)

Aengus Melia polled 489 first preference votes for Direct Democracy Ireland, which he says is a respectable result for his fledgling political career.

The Marley man’s induction into the political fray came a mere four weeks ago and he now looks toward building the party’s base in the constituency.

“I’m very impressed with the support I got in areas such as Kilbannon and Cappataggle where I polled well, which shows there is an appetite for change at both ends of the constituency,” he said.

“The party is opening offices in both the county and city in the coming weeks and the plan now is to start locally and progress from there.”

Aengus was one of two candidates eliminated after the first count, with Green Party’s Mairead Ni Cronin’s 769 votes not enough to carry her through.

The three candidates to secure seats were IND Sean Canney, FF Anne Rabbitte and FG Ciaran Cannon.

Full election coverage in this Wednesday's Tuam Herald