Memorable scenes as Calleary and Dillon re-elected on same count

Probable government partners Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have savoured a memorable moment at the Mayo County Centre.

Long-serving Ballina FF Deputy Dara Calleary and Castlebar FG Deputy Alan Dillon, both of whom served as ministers of state in the last government, were re-elected together after the 8th count.

Supporters of both parties stood side-by-side in a packed centre to share in their respective successes.

Calleary leapfrogged over the quota of 11,812 by securing 3,339 from his party colleague, Senator Lisa Chambers, who had been eliminated earlier in the day.

That brought him to 13,097 and smiles to the faces of his family and supporters.

Calleary, a former deputy leader of his party who was first elected to office in 2007, is a strong contender for a cabinet position in the new administration.

Dillon will also regard himself as a challenger for a minister's role in the likely event of FF and FG going back into power.

The former Mayo GAA star ensured his re-election on the back of 1,551 transfers for Castlebar-based Senator Chambers.

That brought him to 13,174 to seal the second seat for him, marginally ahead of Calleary.

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Dillon said he was very satisfied at the substantial increase in his first preference rating and pledged to continue to work endlessly for the people of the county.