Third count in tense Bandon race

A TOWN council count in west Cork had to go to a second recount, with a first-time FF candidate finally unseating a veteran FG member last night.

Bandon Town Council was forced into a third count as the battle for the final and pivotal seat swung back and forward between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The original count on Saturday night had the two lowest candidates on level votes. Under electoral legislation, the returning officer declared who was elected on the basis of the first preference.