An Enniscrone councillor had his house burgled while the election count was taking place in Sligo.
Veteran councllor Joe Queenan’s home was targeted by criminals on Saturday while the house was unoccupied.
Joe was in his shop at the time but believes the opportunistic burglars struck as they thought he and his family would all be at the local election count in the Sligo Park Hotel.
“My son left the house at 1pm and my wife came back at 2pm to find the place ransacked. My son was only out a field covering a silage pit around a quarter of a mile away when they went in and wrecked the place,” he told the Western People.
He said the thieves broke in through a window and made off with personal items and valuables.
“They wrecked the place and turned it upside down. The Guards are on the case,” said Joe.
He said it is disturbing that the crime could take place in broad delight.
This is the second time in recent weeks that the popular businessman and farmer has been targeted.
Thieves broke into his CheckOut shop in Enniscrone in the early hours of Good Friday on March 29.
“That was bad enough but this invasion of our home is just terrible,” said Joe.
He said he does not know who was responsible but firmly believes his home and business was under surveillance by criminals.
The Independent candidate was re-elected to the Ballymote/Tubbercurry electoral area and is now in his 25th year as an elected representative.
He said the episode has left a sour taste despite his election success.
“We didn’t want to go down to the count that evening. I was afraid that I might be elected that night and had sent a request through my Director of Elections to explain the situation if that happened.
“It’s been very difficult for the family. It’s difficult for anyone to come back and find your home destroyed,” he added.
