First-timer McKeever Cairns takes seat after recount marathon

It took two recounts and four days but Holly McKeever Cairns has secured the final seat in Bantry West Cork LEA amid high drama on the 16th floor of Cork County Hall.

The 29-year-old pipped Independent candidate Finbarr Harrington by just one vote, flipping the outcome of Sunday night’s first full count when the latter had been deemed elected by the same margin.