Finucane concedes defeat

Michael Finucane has conceded he has lost his seat to Dan Neville in the Limerick West recount.

Mr Finucane said that despite scrutiny of ballot papers there had been ‘‘no material change’’ in the tiny lead held by his party colleague Dan Neville.

At one stage only a single vote separated the pair.

The result, which saw Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail make a gain at the expense of Fine Gael, summed up the dreadful performance of Fine Gael nationwide.

Mr Finucane, who has sat in the Dail since 1989, and was chairman of the Dail public accounts committee, called on the returning officer terminate the recount.

‘‘I am happy enough with the findings and I accept it. Democracy has spoken and I am sure there are many people out there feeling sorry at this stage that they didn’t vote for me to tip me over the line.’’

More recounts are to be held in Wicklow, Cork South Central, and Cavan-Monaghan in the coming days.