Aontú candidate Paul Lawless proved the dark horse of the Mayo election campaign, passing the winning post by taking the fifth seat.

The 27-year-old Knock-based schoolteacher was a relative unknown politically up to some years ago but planted his feet firmly in local politics by capturing a seat on Mayo County Council in the June local elections.

Since then he has been outspoken at council chamber level lambasting, amongst other issues, what he perceives as “waste” – the practice of council members traveling to places such as the United States.

Lawless has been creative in his various initiatives over the years. These included a ‘Cataract Bus’ campaign, a project that reduced hospital waiting lists by providing over 500 patients with much needed surgery.

A teacher of maths and PE at Ballyhaunis Community School, Mr Lawless is an active sports person and has played soccer at a high level.