12 FG TDs ask that McNulty votes stand

At least 12 Fine Gael TDs and senators voted for Seanad candidate John McNulty before the he stood down from the race — and have not asked for their ballots to be discounted.

However, the total figure is expected to be far higher as the current estimate only includes members who voted under the watch of Fine Gael backroom officials.

The main Government party confirmed the figure last night after it was told to send on the ballots despite claiming the officials involved might be able to ‘re-vote’ due to McNulty’s withdrawal.