Údarás recount gets under way in Carraroe

A recount is under way in Carraroe to decide the constituency's sixth and final seat in the Údarás na Gaeltachta election.

Fine Gael sought a recount after only ten votes separated their candidate, Seosamh Ó Laoi, and outgoing Progressive Democrats Údarás member Seán Creaven.

But Fianna Fáil remains set to retain its majority on the Gaeltacht development authority after winning four seats in the west.

Sinn Féin returned its first representative with Gráinne Nic Géidigh, winning in Donegal. She took the third of four seats in this constituency from Independent FF candidate Seán Ó Baoill.

Sitting Fianna Fáil Údarás members Daithí Alcorn and Brian Ó Dómhnaill were elected on the first and second counts and Fine Gael took the last seat.

Seats in six of the Gaeltacht's seven constituencies were filled by early evening yesterday, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sharing wins in the two seats of Kerry and Mayo, and Fine Gael holding its own in Cork.

The sitting Labour and Independent candidates were returned in Waterford and Meath, where turnouts of 70 per cent were recorded.

Seventeen of the 20 seats on the authority are elected, and three are nominees of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.