No Irish MEPs to be elected tonight as counts adjourned

Updated / Sunday, 9 Jun 2024 22:29

Count centres across the EU can now begin to declare results (RollingNews.ie)

By Tommy Meskill

No candidates have been elected in the European constituencies of Dublin, Midlands-North-West or Ireland South this evening, with all counts now suspended for the night.

In Dublin, Barry Andrew's topped the poll with more than 62,000 votes, not far in front of Fine Gael’s Regina Doherty, who has just over 61,000 votes.

Sinn Féin’s Lynn Boylan is currently placed third, with around 35,000 votes.

The quota here is set at 75,345.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Andrews said he was "humbled" to top the poll, calling today "a really good day".

The result of the first count at Midlands-North-West is expected at some stage tomorrow.

Seasoned political observers in Castlebar are predicting that outgoing MEPs Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Fine Gael's Maria Walsh will retain their seats, with Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen also in contention.

Independent Ireland's Ciaran Mullooly, Aontú's Peadar Tóibín and Fine Gael's Nina Carberry are in the frame for the final two seats, with Mr Mullooly and Ms Carberry appearing to be in a stronger position.

Incumbent MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan is in contention to retain his seat

In Ireland South, tallying is very limited, however Billy Kelleher of Fianna Fáil appears to be in good position, along with Seán Kelly of Fine Gael.

According to earlier tallies in his native Co Clare, Independent TD Michael McNamara is also polling very strongly.

Sinn Féin will be hoping to regain a seat in the region with Kathleen Funchion, while Mr McNamara is predicted to take the fourth seat.