Labour loss as Aodhán Ó Ríordáin fails to retain seat

Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin became the latest Labour Party casualty yesterday as he failed to retain his seat in Dublin Bay North.

An emotional Mr Ó Ríordáin said he was a victim of the huge anger that existed at the junior Coalition party.

“The tide was out. People made a very clear decision they did not want the Government returned,” he said.

Mr Ó Riordáin, who became the 26th Labour TD to lose their seat , said the party was on the back foot for five years and it was difficult to progress.

“Today is the first day of the comeback. Ireland needs the Labour Party and our value system. I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said.

Mr Ó Ríordáin lost his seat to Sinn Féin candidate Denise Mitchell. Independents Finian McGrath and Tommy Broughan, who had looked in difficulty, made a comeback to retain their seats in the closely fought five-seat constituency.