Sinn Féin awaits findings over unstamped Mayo ballot papers fiasco

The Sinn Féin organisation in Mayo is awaiting the findings of an investigation into the fiasco which resulted in the party missing out on a council seat in the Swinford electoral area as a result of unstamped ballot papers.

Party candidate John Sheahan lost out to Foxford Fine Gael Councillor Neil Cruise by a single vote after a second recount in last month's local elections.

But Mr. Sheahan would have taken the seat if nine votes cast in his favour had been stamped at the voting centres where they were cast.

While Sinn Féin has accepted that ‘human error’ was central to the matter and it did not subsequently mount a legal challenge, the party is refusing to accept that it is the end of the matter.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh has confirmed to The Connaught Telegraph that they are awaiting separate reports from the Irish Electoral Commission as well as Mayo County Council.

“As far as we are concerned, democracy was denied to the people of Swinford and we want to ensure that no candidate ever loses a seat in such circumstances ever again.

“In due course, the party’s Ard Comhairle will be making a submission for steps to be taken to ensure that all ballot papers are stamped before being placed in the ballot box in future elections and that a community won’t be denied an elected representative due to a stamping error,” she added,