In Galway West, Fianna Fáil’s Gráinne Seoige has missed out on a seat in the next Government.
You can keep up to date with all the General Election results throughout the weekend through Newstalk’s live blog and video stream.
However, her spirits remain high, and she says she’s really proud of her campaign.
“I met people and got to know people really well that I really didn't know before who believed in me and supported me and we had,” she said.
“We actually had a lot of craic on this campaign, a lot of moments that I'm going to treasure.
“I'm disappointed it didn't work out, but I'm very proud that I took the opportunity and made the journey.
"Nobody achieves anything in this life unless they leave their comfort zone - and I did that, and that's something I'll always bring with me.”
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Before announcing her candidacy in August, Ms Seoige worked as a journalist and TV presenter for TG4.
She rejected the idea that she ran as a ‘celebrity candidate’ – but said she is ‘used to labels’.
“The celebrity thing is a tag people like to attach, and it’s not a nice one, because it makes somebody out to be without substance,” Ms Seoige said.
“I have plenty of substance, and the Tánaiste himself said I was a substantive candidate yesterday.
“I have been taking stuff like this since I entered the media in 1996 – I am well used to labels.
“It’s something that happens to women all over society and women in politics even more so.”
'I am well used to labels. It's something that happens to women all over society, and women in politics even more so.' Gráinne Seoige reflects on her unsuccessful campaign for a seat in Galway West. pic.twitter.com/eggZi6nGDG
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Ms Seoige also defended her controversial campaign ad, which stated that ‘treatment for cancer outcomes in Galway are the worst in the country’.
“That campaign ad was 100% factual – and Professor Michael Kerin of the NBCRI (The National Breast Cancer Research Institute) completely backed that up,” she said.
“The reason I got involved was to try and change that – and I’m glad it started a conversation.
“I had people on the doors – nurses who opened the doors to me saying ‘thank you for saying that because it’s true’.”
Newstalk reporters will be at count centres around Ireland bringing you all the results as they come in.
We will also be running election specials throughout today and tomorrow, and you can follow all the action on our live blog and on our social channels.
