Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly has said he is “not worried” about the far-right after he returned his European Parliament seat in Ireland South tonight.

The former GAA president topped the poll to become a four-time MEP tonight, polled slightly ahead of Fianna Fail’s Billy Kelleher.

A battle royale could get going for the three remaining seats there, with Grace O’Sullivan, Michael McNamara, Mick Wallace, and Sinn Fein's Kathleen Funchion all in contention.

Far-right

Mr Kelly said Ireland has shown it has little interest in the far right.

“I think while we have more maybe from the far-left and the far-right in Parliament, the centre will hold, the responsible people will come together and we will get sensible and responsible decisions made,” he said.

“I'm not worried at all about the far right in terms of their influence in Europe in Parliament.

“They'll make a lot of noise, they'll probably get a lot of publicity, but the people doing the real work and making the decisions will be up behind the scenes to get things done.”

Sean Kelly visiting Nemo Rangers. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Kelly said he remains “very positive” about the EU as a bloc.

“It's part of democracy to have critics, those who oppose the establishment, but I think Europe since its foundation is very solid, I'm very encouraged when I listen to people from other countries speaking about Europe and their passion for it,” he said.

Achievements

The Fine Gael MEP said he’s proud of the work he’s achieved in Brussels so far.

“It's the legislation you do that really is the most important thing, it takes a lot of time, he said.

“I did the GDPR, which some people don't like, that's the data protection.

“I did the Renewable Energy File.

“I just finished the Energy Performance and Buildings Directive, which is huge in terms of retrofitting houses across Europe.

“And also, I was the first vice-chair of the Brexit Committee in the European Parliament to get a smooth transition, particularly after Boris Johnson left the scene, thank God.”

Sean Kelly is Ireland’s first MEP to be elected for this term.

Main image: Sean Kelly visiting Nemo Rangers GAA club. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo