Thanks!

We had an enjoyable election yesterday; the highlight being a walkabout at Stillorgan Shopping centre with Eamon Gilmore TD, Party Leader, and Alex White, Dail Candidate (see picture).

Now that the election is over and the votes are cast (albeit before we know the result) my overwhelming sensation, apart from exhaustion and relief, is one of gratitude.

I am grateful to the people of the Stillorgan Ward for their courtesy to me during the campaign and in particular to the many people who have given me their No 1 vote, whether on a personal or party basis.

I am grateful to the Labour Party members in the Mount Merrion/Kilmacud and Pat Upton/ Michael O'Riordan/UCD Branches for nominating me to run, particularly my proposer Fionnuala Richardson and my seconder Brendan Lynch.

My team has been fantastic, above all my campaign manager Neal Lamb, who I could not have lived without during the last 9 months. My supporters, extended family and friends have been unstinting in their support and assistance and I am very grateful to them. I have also received great support from the wider Labour Party, the Leader, parliamentarians, councillors, members and staff. I have worked closely with Alex White who ran a great campaign in less than ideal circumstances.

Finally I also thank those involved in the administration of the election - the Sheriff, the Returning Officer and their staff, as well as the Garda Siochana and all officials involved in the electoral process. Theirs is a thankless but crucial task. My fellow candidates for other parties and none were good "travelling companions" on this unusual journey and we aired our differences in a relatively civilized fashion!

Whatever the result today I feel I have done my best as a candidate and that is all any of us can do. It has been an immense privilege and a pleasure.