KILDARE: There was no joy for the independent election candidate

Voters opt for party representatives in Kildare

For the most part it’s an uphill task for an independent to get elected. Running a local campaign to get elected to the county council is one thing but the waters of an election for a Dáil seat are much more choppy.

Of the 16 candidates who ran for a seat in Kildare North, Naas resident and Tipperary native Bill Clear was the only independent candidate.

In different circumstances he would have contested the poll for the Social Democrats and many people would have fancied his chances.

However he failed to win the party nomination to contest the election and less than three months before polling day, he resigned from the party and announced that would run as an independent.

In the local elections in June he topped the poll in the Naas electoral area with 1975 first preferences, This meant he comfortably exceeded the quota and was elected on the first count.

He said he ran as an independent with a heavy heart.

"After deep reflection I have made this difficult decision to step down from the party. I have made this decision to step down in order to pursue other opportunities that align more with my personal and political aspirations," he said at the time..

He added: "This decision has not been taken lightly. Throughout my time with the Social Democrats, I have been proud to advocate for the values and principles they stand for. I have worked alongside incredible colleagues who share a commitment to positive change and a better future for our community and county."

He said he looks back on his time with the party "with pride and appreciation" and interestingly he especially thanked Catherine Murphy, the outgoing TD. 

He also said he didn't win the nomination despite delivering their biggest vote in Kildare North.