Editorial: Congratuations Kilkenny councillors - the work starts here!

It’s been a hugely absorbing Local Elections for Kilkenny, alongside a lengthy count in the European vote.

There is no place quite like the count centre after a bruising, long election campaign. Everyone is running on adrenaline, and the sense of excitement and of ‘what could be’ as ballot boxes are opened is always palpable. Depending on how the tallies look, that excitement can quickly turn to pure delight, trepidation or utter, sickening despair.

With the counts running into the early hours of the morning on both days, our council and count staff did a fantastic job of sorting and running the numbers, and relaying the information to the various candidates’ teams, the public and the media in as timely a fashion possible. Credit to them.

We now know the 24 people who have been entrusted with guarding and improving Kilkenny’s fortunes over the next five years. It is no small responsibility.

These are the 24 people whom the voting public have decided are the most suitable to represent their interests, make the right decisions on their behalf, and steward the county on a positive and prosperous path.

The councillors are from different parts of the county towns, from different backgrounds, political persuasions and parties, with differing ideas of what the best way to do things is. They will not always agree and they will not always make the right decision. What we can ask of them is that they pull on the black and amber jersey, and do their best for Kilkenny.

Their job is to try to ensure this county is - as the slogans tell us - a great place to live, to work, to visit, and of course, a great place to grow old. We wish them well in this endeavour and congratulate them on their election. Now, the real work starts.

As always, the Kilkenny People will be there throughout this council’s five-year term - to report on the progress, to attend the council meetings, cover the big issues, and report the facts.