It is still neck and neck between John Moloney and John Foley in Laois/Offaly after the fourth count which involved the distribution of Maire McKay’s votes.

The third count in Laois/Offaly has done little to change the contest in the five-seat constituency.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen had over 7,000 votes to spare when he was deemed to be elected on the first count shortly after 11pm at the Laois Offaly count centre in Birr.

It is expected to be 10’o clock or later tonight before there is a first count result from the Laois Offaly constituency count centre in Birr.