Bernard Durkan

Goodbye Bernard: The End of an Era in Kildare North's Dáil Drama!

Long-serving TD Bernard Durkan bids farewell as new faces take Kildare North's seats!

The political landscape in Kildare North has shifted dramatically, signaling an end to the era of Bernard Durkan, the longest-serving TD in the Dáil. After serving the constituents of Kildare North for an impressive 43 years, Durkan has been eliminated in the final count of the recent election, marking a bittersweet moment for the veteran politician and his supporters. Taking to social media, Durkan gracefully acknowledged the outcome, stating, “Alas, today wasn’t my day, but it has been my privilege to represent the people of Kildare in Dáil Éireann for over 43 years.” His humble acceptance reflects a career spent in service, where he has witnessed the evolution of both the constituency and Ireland itself.

With Durkan making way for fresh faces, the final count in Kildare North culminated in an exciting electoral showdown. Sinn Féin’s Réada Cronin topped the polls, exceeding the quota, while Fine Gael’s Joe Neville clinched the fourth seat despite not hitting the quota threshold. Along with Naoise O’Cearúil from Fianna Fáil, they round out a new triad of representatives who will shape the future of Kildare North politics. The seat-counting drama resonated with onlookers, who witnessed the historical passing of the torch from Durkan, who has become an iconic figure in Irish politics.

The results from Kildare North mirror wider national trends where demographic changes and shifting political affiliations increasingly influence election outcomes. Long gone are the days when seasoned politicians held firm sway—today’s electorate seems hungry for a breath of fresh representation, driven by new ideas and approaches. As the political fabric of Ireland evolves, this changing of the guard in Kildare North serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of Irish democracy, highlighting the importance of adapting to the people’s needs.

In history, Bernard Durkan's tenure has become a benchmark, illustrating the up-and-down ride of political life and the saying, “All political careers end in failure,” famously coined by Enoch Powell. Durkan’s journey in the Dáil will certainly be remembered not just for its length but for its impact. It’s a fact that from his first election in 1982, the landscape of Kildare North has transformed wildly—elections have resulted in tangential political alignments and parties rising and falling in popularity. Now, as we welcome these new deputies, who knows what exciting changes lie ahead for both Kildare North and the Dáil?