Our proportional representation electoral system has (as always) provided fascinating and, for some candidates, agonising results from first counts to re-counts in our recent election. The uniqueness of PR and the single transferable vote is that it is intended to reflect the preferences of as many voters as possible.

Interference “from outside” by Fianna Fáil headquarters led to the shock withdrawal 10 days ago of party stalwart and seasoned councillor Paul O’Donoghue from the election in South and West Kerry.

REGARDING the letter from Maerton Davis of Israel (Irish Examiner, July 6), it is surely unwise to call someone "ignorant concerning historical facts", immediately before displaying that same quality.