Independents carry the day all across the State

Independent candidates from none of the established parties were among the biggest winners in the local elections, attracting the greatest share of the vote last night.

With two thirds of the seats filled, Independents accounted for 28% of seats, putting them ahead of Fiánna Fail on 24.8%.

The surge in independent candidates being returned came from right across the State and represents a major increase in the vote for independents which stood at 18%.