FF and FG candidates share early lead in by-election

Counting is well underway in the by-election in Carlow-Kilkenny.

Forty-five boxes have been opened so far in the count centre in Cillin Hill in Kilkenny, but it appears to be mostly Carlow boxes opened so far, showing Fianna Fáil’s Bobby Aylward and Fine Gael’s David Fitzgerald neck-and-neck.

Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion also appears to be polling well.

Thirteen candidates are fighting it out in the constituency for the seat left vacant by EU Commissioner Phil Hogan.

The marriage referendum is polling at around 60/40 in favour of Yes so far.

Latest tally from CW boxes

FF 22%

FG 18%

SF 16%

BGAR 2%

CMcLiam 3%

REN 8%

GREEN 2%

POLoughlin 2%

LAB 21%

PBP 6%

— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) May 23, 2015