Four-way battle for final Euro seat in South

A major battle is underway for the third European Parliament seat in the South constituency, with the county set to resume at 9am after being suspended late last night.

No candidate reached the quota after the first two counts, but Fianna Fáil's Brian Crowley and Fine Gael's Sean Kelly are set to secure the first two seats.

Labour's Alan Kelly, Sinn Féin's Toireasa Ferris, Independent Kathy Sinnott and Fine Gael's Colm Burke are all vying for the final seat.

However, most observers believe it will eventually be a contest between Alan Kelly and Ms Sinnott.

Sean Kelly, a former president of the GAA, said last night that he was surprised to win a seat, while Mr Crowley said he was delighted with his result, but disappointed by Fianna Fáil's poor showing generally.