NEWS: Mae Sexton's victory for the Progressive Democrats in Longford-Roscommon yesterday was a reward for painstaking constituency work.
The retirement of Fianna Fáil's former leader Albert Reynolds removed a big political name from Ms Sexton's base in Longford town.
With voters retaining local loyalties, Ms Sexton attracted widespread support.
She was identified with bringing the industry, Cardinal Healthcare and its 1,300 jobs to the town.
Ms Sexton joined the Progressive Democrats before the 1997 election. In that election, she secured 2,289 first preferences, and, clearly had considerable ground to make up this time.
However, the omens were good. She topped the poll in theLongford urban council elections in 1999.
Ms Sexton is a full-time public representative.
She is also a member of the European committee of the regions.
