A re-count looks on the cards in Westmeath as Fianna Fail deputy leader Mrs Mary O'Rourke and Fine Gael's Mr Paul McGrath battle it out for the third and final seat.
Labour's Mr Willie Penrose again topped the poll, with 8,967 first-preference votes. He was the only candidate to exceed the 8,606 quota.
Fianna Fail's Mr Donie Cassidy, who was expected to challenge Mr McGrath for the third seat, came in second with 7,892 first-preference votes. With a sound Mullingar base Mr Cassidy will benefit from some of Mr Penrose's surplus
"I fought this campaign on a single issue. North Westmeath and Mullingar needed a government TD", said Mr Cassidy. He said he received "a vote for the people who deserve investment and aren't getting it."
He also said a re-count was "odds on" with the transfer from Fine Gael's second candidate Ms Nicky McFadden likely to decide a tight outcome in the third seat.
After the first count Mrs O'Rourke, on 6,444, is edging out Mr McGrath on 5,570, but Mr McGrath's running mate Ms McFadded has polled 3,793 and the distribution of her surplus is likely to favour her colleague. Some should also go to Mrs O'Rourke.
Mr Penrose credited his victory to a strong and united local organisation and his position as Labour's spokesman on agriculture in a constituency which has a sizeable rural vote.
Mr Penrose said he was a little disappointed with Labour's vote nationally, but said the party could gain up to 24 seats.
"I hope some of the results in the other constituencies will improve and I would like to think some of the transfers would benefit us", he added.
Mr Penrose's surplus of 361 is now being distributed.