Hayes ahead in Tipp south poll

Fine Gael Senator Tom Hayes has emerged as the early leader in the Tipperary south by-election with 45% of the vote tallied.

Mr Hayes has 35% of the first preference votes counted so far, with Phil Prendergast of the Unemployed Action Group not far behind on 28%.

Fianna Fail's Michael Maguire has 25% of the vote, with Labour's Denis Landey bringing up the rear on 11%.