There is to be a full recount of votes in the Listowel Electoral Area, Co Kerry, after only five votes separated three candidates in the 11th and final count at the counting centre in Tralee late last night.

Not even the rise of Sinn Féin, which took the last seat in South and West Kerry and out-polled Labour in the Killarney area, could dwarf the gigantic performance of the Healy-Rae organisation.

Sinn Féin could double its representation on Kerry Co Council from two seats to four, party strategists are predicting.