Transfers not going my way, admits Connaughton

FF’s Ivan Connaughton has all but admitted defeat in the Roscommon South Leitrim by-election.

He led Independent candidate Michael Fitzmaurice by 1,114 votes after the first count, but has since seen his lead slip in three subsequent counts to the Galway man backed by Luke Ming Flanagan.

Still no sign of Michael Fitzmaurice here in the count centre. Apparently he's been working on the farm all day. #RSL14 #ntfm

— Zara King (@ZaraKing) October 11, 2014

“I was very happy that I headed the poll here and the situation is that it’s going down to transfers as we’re speaking at the moment,” said Connaughton.

“It’s down to that and if I’m being honest, I don’t think they’re going my way.”

Fianna Fáil leader denies "something went wrong" for his party in #RSL14 pleased with increase in party vote. #ntfm pic.twitter.com/M4LqFDQdHS

— Zara King (@ZaraKing) October 11, 2014