Clune holds off Harris challenge for final seat

Deirdre Clune of Cork’s Barry political dynasty fought off party young gun Simon Harris to clinch a second seat for Fine Gael in a marathon Ireland South election count.

Fine Gael MEP and former GAA president Seán Kelly described the dual victory as a great day “for the Fine Gael family” in the South as they bucked national trends.

Mr Kelly’s seat had never been in doubt. However, it was three days of lows and highs for the Clune team as the senator was trailing Wicklow TD Simon Harris until the tenth count.