With eight candidates left here's how things stand in Louth
As things stand the top five candidates are looking fairly secure in their positions
Count 15
Ruairí Ó MURCHÚ, SF- 10,201 +356
Ged NASH, LAB- 9714 +175
Joanna BYRNE, SF- 9358 +228
Erin McGREEHAN, FF- 6463 +86
Paula BUTTERLY, FG- 6359 +60
Alison COMYN, FF- 5391 +56
Kevin CALLAN, IND- 5197 +932
John McGAHON, FG- 4440 +104
Antóin WATTERS, SF- 4325 +144
A clearer picture is emerging in Louth as the field is narrowed and we’re left with 8 candidates following the elimination of Sinn Fein’s councillor Antoin Watters.
Independent Kevin Callan was the biggest beneficiary of Hermann Kelly’s surplus receiving 932 votes. Ruairi O’ Murchu also benefitted from 356 votes transferred votes to leave him within touching distance of the magic 10,623 quota.
As things stand the top five candidates are looking fairly secure in their positions with Fianna Fail’s Alison Comyn and Kevin Callan needing some big numbers to break into the top five.
As the distribution of Watters’ votes begin it is expected both remaining Sinn Fein Candidates will benefit, but an eye should be kept on how he transfers to fellow Cooley native Erin McGreehan.
Stay on the Dundalk Democrat/Louthlive election blog to keep up to date with all results as they happen.