Social Democrats put up huge fight for seat in Carlow-Kilkenny but fall just short

It was always going to be a big ask for the Social Democrats to win a seat in Carlow-Kilkenny, but that challenge didn’t phase their General Election 2024 candidate Patricia Stephenson, who put in a tremendous campaign for a first time candidate.

Stephenson secured 3,387 first preference votes, hundreds more than Green Party TD Malcolm Noonan (2,919), Aontú’s Gary O'Neill (2,387) and Labour’s Seán Ó hArgáin (1,725).

Transfers from the three big parties (particularly Fianna Fáil) were always going to prove tricky for Stephenson though, and despite being very transfer-friendly to many candidates including Eugene McGuinness (Independent) and Malcolm Noonan (Green Party), she was eliminated after the eleventh count with 6,425 votes.

When she was eliminated, she was the only candidate still in the running for a seat that was not representing one of the big three parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin.

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Speaking after the result, Stephenson stated that, “whilst unsuccessful (this time), this campaign has been a joy from start to finish.”

“I’ve had a wonderful group of people around me, met so many interesting people from all walks of life, and pushed myself further than I ever thought I could,” she continued.

“To everyone that supported me and voted for me, I feel privileged that you put your faith in me. I hope I’ll be able to earn that trust and faith again in the future.”

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