Gap narrows to 291 votes after seventh count in Dublin SW

Socialist MEP Paul Murphy is now just 291 votes behind Sinn Féin candidate Cathal King after the seventh count in the Dublin South West by-election.

Murphy gained 290 transfers from eliminated Labour candidate Pamela Kearns, climbing to 7,726.

Mr King attracted 189 votes, and still tops the poll on 8,017 votes.

After the 7th Count in Dublin South West: #dsw14 #dsw #dubsw pic.twitter.com/nHvgfTyhHy

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 11, 2014

The transfers of eliminated candidates Ronan McMahon (Independent) and Cait Keane (Fine Gael) will now be distributed.

The word is that Murphy is cleaning up on the transfers from Keane and McMahon... and that there's won't be need for a recount in #dsw14

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 11, 2014

Appears as if SF are conceding

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 11, 2014

Cathal King called his supporters into a huddle, and they dispersed with applause but disappointed faces #dsw14

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 11, 2014