Counting of votes for two Mayo electoral areas today

THE counting of votes for the Ballina Electoral Area is getting underway at the TF Royal Hotel at 9 a.m. this morning.

It has been a long wait for the Ballina candidates since people cast their ballot on Friday, but an official first count should be known by lunchtime.

The recount for the Swinford Electoral Area is also taking place today. That will commence at 10 a.m., returning officer John Condon confirmed last night.

It's going to be a nailbiter, with just a single vote the difference between winning a seat or not after the first round of counting was completed.