Eliminated Fine Gael candidate James Bannon 'may pursue legal option'

Outgoing Fine Gael TD James Bannon has been eliminated following the 14th count in the Longford Westmeath constituency.

It follows the distribution of Kevin Boxer Moran’s surplus of 72.

James Bannon's votes - of over 7,000 - will now be distributed between the remaining candidates.

James Bannon speaking to the media after he was eliminated #ldwh #ge16 pic.twitter.com/h7pqg79JgD

— Shannonside FM News (@shannonsidenews) March 3, 2016

Peter Burke of Fine Gael looks set to take the third seat, with Labour’s Willie Penrose and Sinn Féin’s Paul Hogan fighting for the last seat.

Distribution of James Bannons votes showing no good news for Paul Hogan ,looks like Labour will take the fourth seat #GE16 #ldwh

— Shannonside FM News (@shannonsidenews) March 3, 2016

In a statement issued this morning, James Bannon has said the margin of his defeat is very narrow and he will take "careful advice" and "will make a decision on whether or not to pursue a legal option".

Statement from James Bannon after losing his seat in Longford Westmeath this morning. #GE16 #ldwh pic.twitter.com/6zYiAFRgiB

— Sinéad Hussey (@SineadHus) March 3, 2016