First count sees SF top poll in Dublin South-West

Sinn Féin's topped the poll in the Dublin South West by-election, but faces a battle to win the seat with the Anti-Austerity-Alliance candidate just behind.

Sat, 11 Oct, 2014 - 14:29

Counting is continuing in the two by-elections to fill seats in the Dáil.

Sinn Féin's topped the poll in Dublin South West but is trying to beat off a challenge from the Anti Austerity Alliance.

And a first count is still awaited in Roscommon South Leitrim - where the seat many had thought Fianna Fáil would win looks set to go to an Independent.

Four counts have been completed in Dublin South West and Sinn Féin's Cathal King leads former Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy under the Anti Austerity Alliance Banner by 558 votes.

Independent Declan Burke has now been eliminated, and his 818 votes will be distributed. But as transfers remain spread out at this stage it's making this by-election difficult to call.

Meanwhile a first count's expected within the hour in Roscommon South Leitrim.

Here another unexpected fight between two candidates is emerging.

Fianna Fáil's Ivan Connaughton - tha man many had predicted would almost run away with the seat - faces a major battle with the Independent candidate Michael Fitzmaurice.