BREAKING: Daniel Butler hails 'incredible endorsement' as he takes the top spot in Limerick City West

FINE GAEL councillor Daniel Butler has been re-elected to Limerick City and County Council with a huge personal vote of 2,233.

The Raheen man, a drugs education worker by profession, had a surplus of 713 and was joined in being returned on the first count by Cllr Daniel McSweeney

"It's an incredible endorsement from the people of City West. I have to pay tribute to my supporters, my family who have been amazing. It's been emotional today. We've had a tough few weeks."

He said people putting a one beside his name was a great honour, and "I hope in the next five years I deliver on this confidence."

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"With that big vote comes a big responsibility to the people of City West and I intend to deliver that over the next five years."
It is the third straight election Cllr Butler has been returned - and it represents a huge uplift on the vote he received five years ago.

The father of two, who contested the inaugural mayoral election, first entered politics when he was co-opted to the old County Council in 2013.

This was to replace his father, the late Richard Butler, a former county Cathaoirleach.

His running mate, Cllr Dan McSweeney was elected on the first count too.

Following the first count declaration, the vote in City West has been adjourned for the night.

At 10am on Sunday, Cllr Butler's surplus of 713 - and Cllr McSweeney's surplus of 205 will be distributed.