The Sligo-Leitrim count concluded with the election of Fianna Fáil’s Eamon Scanlon and Independent Marian Harkin to the final two of four seats.
Deputy returning officer Paraic O’Grady made the declaration shortly before 1am on Monday, almost 16 hours after counting restarted on Sunday morning. This followed a 15-hour count on Saturday.
Mr Scanlon was first home, drawing 318 votes from the 4,052-vote surplus of re-elected Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny. He was accompanied by wife Anne, several grandchildren and cheered by a throng of supporters singing Walking in a Winter Wonderland. “It’s was a great result, thanks to my supporters, canvassers and the people that supported me,” Mr Scanlon said.
Ms Harkin was accompanied by sons James and John and sisters Gráinne and Anne, her supporters singing We Are the Champions. Her seat having been in jeopardy after a poor first preference vote, Ms Harkin said the election was a rollercoaster. “There’s a lot of a hard work ahead. Tonight it all about celebrating. I’m hugely grateful.”
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The final two successful candidates were deemed elected in the 13th count without reaching the quota.
