Aontú in contention for final seat in Claremorris

By Caoimhín Rowland

AONTÚ candidate Paul Lawless is in contention for final seat in the Claremorris Local Electoral Area.

With the first preference tallies in, it looks set to be a battle between himself and outgoing Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom Connolly for the final seat.

Poll-topper Patsy O’Brien's surplus will be the factor and his transfers may well help Connolly more.

Independent Ireland's Mark Devane has had a good day out for a first time candidate, just shy of 5% of the vote, and his elimination may help Lawless get over the line.

Another first-time candidate, Alma Gallagher, is poised to retain the Fine Gael seat vacated by her retired party colleague John Cribbin.

Outgoing councillors Michael Burke (Fine Gael), Richard Finn (Independent), Patsy O'Brien and Damien O'Brien have all polled strongly and are set to be returned for another term.

The full first preference tally for the LEA is as follows:

Michael Burke (1445)

Aron Ceallaigh (89)

Tom Connolly (1193)

Mark Devane (658)

Richard Finn (1771)

Alma Gallagher (1417)

Geraldine Kelly (181)

Paul Lawless (1092)

Stephen Nolan (843)

Patsy O'Brien (2660)

Eamon Phelan (316)

Damien Ryan (1603)

Sandra Sweetman (54)