Gino Kenny was moved to tears after he sensationally retained his seat in Dublin Mid West this afternoon.
The Solidarity-People Before Profit TD will be returning to the Dail after he pipped Fianna Fail's John Curran to the final seat in the four-seat constituency this afternoon.
The Clondalkin TD had all but conceded yesterday before making a dramatic comeback due to transfers from left wing candidates.
Downbeat Kenny said yesterday morning: "Unfortunately it’s not looking good in getting re-elected. We have done everything in the past four weeks/years.
"I know we have made a difference and I’m extremely proud of that. Politics doesn’t begin and end at Kildare St. Thanks everybody!"
But Deputy Kenny made a dramatic comeback to seal the seat on the ninth count.
Fine Gael's Emer Higgins also secured her seat following that count.
The Sinn Fein duo of Eoin O Broin and Mark Ward comfortably secured their seats yesterday.
Following his stunning victory the prominent medicinal cannabis advocate told RTE News he planned to spend a few days camping in the Dublin mountains to recharge after a hectic campaign.
CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan was one of the first to congratulate Mr Kenny on returning to the Dail.
She tweeted: "Gino has been a voice for 'ordinary' people and has done some amazing work in opposition. Well done Gino!"
Counting continues in six Dublin constituencies.
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