Lisa 'overwhelmed' by messages of support since loss of seat

LISA Chambers has stated she is overwhelmed by the messages of support she has received since losing her Dàil seat in last weekend's general election.

In a statement posted on her Facebook page today, the Fianna Fàil representative said: "Now that the dust has settled on GE2020, I want to thank everyone that voted for me, canvassed, volunteered, put up posters, dropped leaflets and all round gave support, I couldn’t have asked for a better team.

"It wasn’t meant to be on this occasion and that’s democracy.

"While the result is of course disappointing it has been an immense privilege to serve as a TD for Mayo this past four years.

"I have been overwhelmed with the many messages of support and people have been so kind.

"There was an unfortunate element to the campaign which all candidates had to deal with.

"Online abuse and the spreading of hate was more prevalent in this campaign that in any other I have been involved in.

"We should always focus on the issues and the policy and not on personalised attacks on any candidate otherwise we will have fewer people contesting elections.

"I sincerely thank my partner and my family for being so amazing always.

"I thank Ciara and Sara Jane for all their work in the office.

"I also thank the Fianna Fáil Councillor team in Mayo, in particular councillors Blackie Gavin, Al McDonnell, Martin McLoughlin, Damien Ryan, Paul McNamara, Brendan Mulroy, Sean Carey, Michael Smith and John Caulfield who covered their areas with me.

"Thanks also to former deputy Beverly Flynn and former Fianna Fáil councillors Jimmy Maloney and Micheal McNamara, our director of elections.

"I want to congratulate my colleague Deputy Dara Calleary and all those who were elected and wish them the very best in their work on behalf of the people of Mayo and to commiserate with those candidates who were unsuccessful."