Tallies show strong support for Lisbon 2nd time around

Date Published: 08-Oct-2009

VOTERS in both Galway constituencies gave an overwhelming endorsement to the Lisbon Treaty at the second time of asking with tally figures showing the referendum was passed by almost a clear-cut two to one majority.

Only two polling stations out of a total of 53 in East Galway returned a ‘No’ vote, while opposition to the Treaty was limited to a smattering of Gaeltacht areas and two pockets of the city in Galway West.

In terms of percentages, the results on both sides of the Corrib reflected the national trend, with 68% of the 44,855 valid ballots in Galway East and 65% of 37,458 ballots Galway West returning a ‘Yes’ vote.

Ardeevin was one of the few polling stations nation and countywide where the results from the tallymen showed a swing in opposition to Lisbon, with 81 votes against and 68 votes in favour. It is thought one factor which may explain this result was the stance of local Fine Gael councillor Tiernan Walsh who went against his party and called for a ‘No’ vote.

Also in Galway East, the people of Tynagh were not for turning on the 2008 referendum result, with 197 voting ‘No’ against 149 votes in favour.

In the remaining areas of…
Meanwhile, Libertas boss Declan Ganley this week pointedly refused to rule out the possibility that he may contest the next general Election. It would appear that four-seater East Galway would be the most likely target were he to decide to go ahead with a challenge.

Any arrival of a high-profile figure like Ganley in an area where Dail seats are finely balanced between Fianna Fail (2) and Fine Gael (2), would certainly cause concern among the established political parties. He is an unknown factor in Dail elections, and with huge financial resources.

Of major concern would be…