First-time general election candidate Dr Martin Daly, and his party Fianna Fáil, can be very pleased with his electoral performance in Roscommon-Galway, where he took a seat.
A former president of the Irish Medical Organisation, the GP has been an outspoken advocate for rural general practice and for rural communities.
Although based in Ballygar, just across the border into Galway, the 61-year-old married father is well known in Roscommon GAA as the senior men’s team doctor, and has been a common sight on the pitch – something which undoubtedly helped him in his election.
On the campaign trail, Dr Daly was adamant that Roscommon-Galway needed a government TD as it was one of only two constituencies not to elect one in 2020. Housing and improving local mental health services were also among his priorities.
Should Fianna Fáil form part of the next government, it is hoped locally that he will have a seat at the table in the incoming coalition.