'People are ready for a change': Holly Cairns elected in Cork South West

Holly Cairns of the Social Democrats was elected on the eighth count.

Holly Cairns of the Social Democrats threw the form book out the window for a second election in a row overnight, securing a seat in Cork South West and in so doing becoming the only woman elected to Dáil Eireann in all Cork city and county.

The County Cllr and farmer surged from fourth position on the eighth and final count shortly after 3.30am to push past Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard, leaving that party without a representative here for the first time in more than 60 years.