Fine Gael’s father-and-son team take two seats in South Dublin

The Pereppadan duo, comprising Baby and Britto, clinched separate seats on the South Dublin County Council, representing Fine Gael.

Baby secured re-election for Tallaght South on the fifth count, surpassing the 1,257-vote quota, while Britto, a first-time candidate, emerged victorious for Tallaght Central on the ninth count, marking Fine Gael’s return to the area after nearly two decades.

Expressing their elation over the election results, the father-son pair conveyed their eagerness to serve the Tallaght community for the ensuing five years.

Baby Pereppadan remarked on their concerted efforts, highlighting the positive response received from residents.

Father and son FG candidates, Baby and Britto Pereppperdan, have both been elected to South Dublin County Council. @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/0AN4AT8VVY

— Muiris O’Cearbhaill (@muirisoc) June 9, 2024

Reflecting on his inaugural campaign, Britto Pereppadan underscored their diligent grassroots campaigning, which involved community engagement and door-to-door outreach.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, attributing their success to unwavering dedication.

With over two decades of residency in Tallaght, the Pereppadan family has a longstanding commitment to public service.

Baby Pereppadan, who began contesting elections in 2009 and secured his first victory in 2019, celebrates his latest electoral success alongside his son.

Their triumph underscores the diverse representation within Fine Gael, particularly among candidates with migrant backgrounds.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar commended their achievement, emphasizing the significance of such candidates in countering far-right ideologies.

Despite encountering challenges such as vandalism and racist remarks, Britto Pereppadan remains resolute in his dedication to community service.

He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the electorate and pledged to represent them diligently at the county level.

As vote counting continues at Weston Airport in Dublin, the outcome remains undecided in the Palmerstown-Fonthill ward, where no candidate has reached the quota.

In the fiercely contested Clondalkin ward, only one candidate— independent incumbent Francis Timmons—has been elected so far.

The race for the remaining seats in Clondalkin is highly competitive, with several candidates vying for election. The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for multiple candidates to secure seats as the counting process unfolds.

Despite logistical challenges and delays, election officials remain committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

The final results will reflect the collective will of the electorate and shape the composition of the South Dublin County Council for the next term.

As candidates await the final outcome, anticipation builds among both supporters and candidates alike. The electoral process serves as a testament to the democratic principles upheld by the community and underscores the importance of civic engagement in local governance.