Returning to continue his role as an elected representative, Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke acknowledged the support of the Athlone electorate, the votes from whom saw the Fianna Fáil candidate surpass the electoral quota to ensure a second seat for his political party at the Westmeath local elections.
Fresh from a health scare which saw him undergo bowel keyhole surgery in Tullamore Hospital prior to polling day on Friday last, the Athlone businessman was in jubilant mood as news of his re-election was finally confirmed following the fifth count on Sunday afternoon in Moate Community Hall.
Initially elected in 2014, Cllr. O’Rourke noted the strong welcome on the canvass trail, reflective of his work on numerous issues within the local community over his five year term.
“My voting figures have increased since my previous election campaign which corresponds with the rise in trajectory of the Fianna Fáil vote in the Athlone electoral area. It is a hugely impressive statistic.
“Involved in numerous strands of society, I think the voting public recognise my hard work, common sense and no nonsense approach to matters community enhancement and development. I am not one for false promises I can guarantee you that,” Cllr. O’Rourke remarked.
Reflecting on the arduous canvass campaign, from which he took a mere two days break, Cllr. O’Rourke was now looking forward to some rest and recuperation following his brief hospital stint.
“I took a two day break during my election campaign and am now looking forward to some recuperation and time with the family prior to the first sitting of the new Council. However, from meeting with constituents over the duration, I have 1,400 queries on which to follow up, on issues such as housing, healthcare and climate change.
“In general, I received a positive welcome at the doors and hence the reason, I believe, for my re-election here today and I look forward to serving the Athlone community with my work ethos for the next five years,” Cllr. O’Rourke enthused.
