In Munster, they were returned as they left, and it was all fairly predictable. No one doubted that the pulling power of Mr Brian Crowley would re-elect him, and in due fashion, he was re-elected. He improved his performance from the 1994 European election when, as a newcomer, he polled 84,463 votes, by a further 69,732. This showing made him the highest-polling candidate in Europe. A whopping 64,479 surplus had to be redistributed, of which Mr Gerry Collins, the Limerick-based former government minister, received 34,677 - bringing him well above the quota. Independent MEP Mr Pat Cox benefited by 12,249 votes and was the third candidate elected. Once Sinn Fein's Mr Martin Ferris and Mr Jim Corr, of Fine Gael, were eliminated, the only remaining contenders were Mr John Cushnahan, the former Alliance Party leader in Northern Ireland, who now lives in Limerick, and Ms Paula Desmond, of Labour.
It always seemed likely Mr Cushnahan would retain his seat. Some pundits suggested that with Mr Corr entering the fray, the Fine Gael vote might be split - but realistically, this was never going to be the case.
Mr Corr's base is in Cork, whereas Mr Cushnahan has developed a strong presence along the west coast from Kerry to Clare.
It was predicted that Mr Crowley, Mr Collins, Mr Cox and Mr Cushnahan would be returned to the European Parliament, and in the event, that is what happened at the Munster count.