Outgoing Ballina Fianna Fáil Councillor Annie May Reape is expected to retain her seat.

FF and FG optimistic of retaining two seats each in Mayo thriller

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The Fianna Fáil organisation in Mayo is optimist of retaining two seats in the Ballina electoral area which is evolving into a dogfight for the final three seats.

Poll-topping independent Mark Duffy and Fine Gael's John O'Hara are certain to reclaim their seats in style after attracting estimated first preference returns of 1,931 and 1,791, respectively.

The outgoing cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Michael Loftus, is also looking in good shape on 1,273.

That leaves a close four-way battle for the final three seats between Joe Faughnan, Independent (1,070), Annie May Reape, FF (978), David Alexander, FF (884) and Jarlath Munnelly, FG (834).

Experienced election followers are convinced that Faughnan, Reape and Munnelly will emerge winners, leaving an outcome of FF (2), FG (2) and Independents (2).

The count takes place tomorrow.

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