FF candidate concedes defeat in by-election

Fianna Fáil candidate Ivan Connaughton has conceded defeat in the Roscommon South Leitrim by-election this evening.

Independent candidate Michael Fitzmaurice was 1,639 votes ahead of Connaughton after the sixth count, and should be confirmed as elected presently.

It represents an impressive comeback for the Galway man, backed by Luke Ming Flanagan, who was 1,114 votes behind his rival after the first count.

Hyper scenes here in #RSL14 as Michael Fitzmaurice arrives with his family ahead of his election to the Dail. #ntfm pic.twitter.com/f0V00lS9Vx

— Zara King (@ZaraKing) October 11, 2014