Fianna Fáil believes it can win second seat in Ireland South as count continues

Transfers from Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher, and from Fine Gael poll-topper Seán Kelly, could help Cynthia Ní Mhurchú over the line

Sitting Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher at the Ireland South count at Nemo Rangers in Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Fianna Fáil was growing in its belief that it can take two seats in Ireland South as ballots began to be piled on Monday.

The party's sitting MEP Billy Kelleher was set to be elected on an early count, but party operatives said they were "pleasantly surprised" by the vote amassed by former RTÉ journalist Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.