Fisher makes sensational comeback to take a seat in Dundalk Carlingford

An “exhausted” and “flabbergasted” Ciarán Fisher spoke to the Democrat after he was sensationally elected to Dundalk Carlingford.

Asked why he had decided to stand, Fisher told the Democrat:

“Pride in my town and civic pride. I work with tidy towns and do my bit about the place and I was a bit embarrassed when we finished second from bottom in the IBAL Litter League. I felt that something had to change.

“When I look at the candidates, they’re all lovely people, but I saw that maybe there was a gap there for a town centre councillor, that’s what I wanted to vote for and it wasn’t there so I decided that maybe I’ll put myself forward and try to fill that space.”

The Independent candidate had funded his own campaign and had looked dead and buried at one stage before getting a transfer of over 300 votes.

“I was in that sixth place for a long time and I knew I could be leapfrogged by some of the Sinn Féin candidates when it came to transfers and I figured my goose was cooked.

“But I still would have been proud. I think I ran a quick campaign. It was a seven or eight-week turnaround with a small crew.

Regardless of how it could have gone, I still would have been very proud to be in the running. But after getting the 325 transfers, I think I looked home and hosed.

“I’ve said from the get go I’m a Dundalk man and a proud Dundalk and Louth man. I know that the real work starts now. It’s going to be a steep learning curve, for someone who is very new to politics, I’m going to have to learn the ropes. I’m so happy to be representing the people of Dundalk Carlingford and getting to work.”

Asked what his priorities would be, Fisher explained that he had heard a lot of suggestions on the doorsteps, “I’d like to see more transparency when it comes to operations, looking to get something like fixmystreet.ie reinstated so people can log their complaints and get a timely response in a timely manner.

“I suppose the ambitious one, seeing as I’m very involved with sports and sporting organisations, I’d love to see local clubs funded with this sports capital money coming down the line, making sure Dundalk and north Louth is well looked after and are getting the money they need to go to the next level and look after our growing population.

“I’d love to see animal welfare supported, that’s very personal and close to my heart, it’s on the flyer and I’m sure it’s one of the reasons people have voted for me, and I’d like to look after that too.”