AFTER weeks of sleepless nights and months of rallying support from parishioners, Deputy Juliette Gallichan was voted St Mary’s new Constable last night.
Just over 59 per cent of the electorate – 661 parishioners – turned out to vote, and 404 of them chose Deputy Gallichan. Her only rival, Terry Renouf, secured 252 votes.
Deputy Gallichan had been at the community centre all day with her supporters waiting anxiously for the results.
Roared with victory The sitting Deputy cried as Jurat Roy Bullen announced the results while her large crowd of supporters roared with victory.
‘I can’t tell you how I’m feeling,’ she said. ‘I have been so worried that I haven’t been sleeping. I am so grateful. I can’t believe it has happened and I am over the moon.’ Mrs Gallichan was a parish secretary for five years before she was elected as a Deputy three years ago. ‘It’s brilliant to be going back to the centre of the parish,’ she said. ‘My political role has been great for my experience but I have been away from the community, and working in the community is where I believe my strengths are.’
Mr Renouf, although disappointed, wished Deputy Gallichan the best of luck. ‘Good luck to her,’ he said. ‘She has got the support of the people. Obviously I’m disappointed but you never go into any election without knowing there is a possibility that you will lose. ‘The parish have chosen who they want.’
