Liberal candidate for Corangamite Darcy Dunstan becomes dad for second time less than 72 hours after election

Less than 72 hours after ‘tradie, soldier dad’ Darcy Dunstan failed in his bid to unseat Labor’s Libby Coker in Corangamite, he became a dad for second time.

Darcy Dunstan at his election campaign launch at Leopold Sportsman’s Club in early March.

There will be no time for Darcy Dunstan to catch up on sleep following a relentless election campaign after the Liberal candidate for Corangamite became a dad for the second time.

Maeve Margo Dunstan was born on Tuesday at 11.17am, less than 72 hours after her “tradie, soldier dad” failed in his bid to unseat Labor’s Libby Coker.

Darcy Dunstan has become a dad for the second time. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Dunstan said mum Clodagh and baby were going great, with Maeve the couple’s second daughter.

“Our oldest daughter, Fiadh, is two years old and couldn’t be more excited to be a big sister, which is so lovely to watch,” he said.

“Clodagh is recovering well and we’re grateful to spend this time together as a family.

“It was an exceptionally busy time leading up to the election, and we’re now looking forward to quieter winter evenings by the fire and soaking in these moments with our girls.

“Someone recently asked me what’s harder: campaigning or life with a newborn.

“Let’s say both involve long days, little sleep and moments that remind you exactly why it’s all worth it.”

Darcy Dunstan with his two-year-old Fiadh. Picture: Supplied.

The counting of votes in Corangamite is ongoing, with Ms Coker marginally increasing her lead to 8 per cent.

Mr Dunstan’s primary vote of 34.7 per cent is up slightly on what previous Liberal candidate and former Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher achieved in 2022.

The former SAS soldier’s name has been floated as a potential South Barwon candidate at next year’s state election, but is it unclear whether he has any ambition to stand again.

Originally published as Liberal candidate for Corangamite Darcy Dunstan becomes dad for second time less than 72 hours after election