Count continues at Tipperary south by-election

The count is continuing in the Tipperary south by-election with Senator

Tom Hayes expected to fill the place that was left by the death of his Fine

Gael colleague, Theresa Ahern.

Senator Hayes has already secured 35 % of the preferences in the election and the battle is now on for who manages to finish in second spot and therefore creates a solid voter-base for the next general election.

Fianna Fail's Malcolm McGuire is currently leading the Workers and Unemployed action group, Phil Prendergast by just two per cent but the Labour Party candidate, Denis Landy has finished with a disappointing 13 per cent.

Counting is understood to be brisk in the polling stations today with all the boxes

having been opened and a definite result is expected later this afternoon.