Independents Day in Tipperary as Michael Lowry tops poll

Independents stole the show in Tipperary as they took three out of the five seats on offer in the newly-unified constituency, led by controversial outgoing TD Michael Lowry.

The Holycross-based former Fine Gael minister topped the poll for the fifth time, achieving 13,064 first preferences and a surplus of 72 votes.

His total was lower than many had expected, but Lowry himself said he was “delighted” with his result, and thanked his voters for putting their trust in him once again.