GALWAY WEST: Recount to be completed around 2pm

Date Published: 28-Feb-2011

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

The recount in Galway West is expected to be completed by around 2pm today.

Returning Officer Marian Chambers Higgins said the recount – requested at 4pm on Sunday by Fine Gael Candidate Senator Fidelma Healy Eames – is nearing completion.

It is expected that the 11th Count – the distribution of Derek Nolan’s surplus – will occur shortly afterwards.

Pundits and tallymen believe there has been no significant change to Senator Healy Eames’ vote, and she will be eliminated.

However, there are varying estimates on the number of votes separating Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne and Independent Catherine Connolly – some believe it will be less than 30, while others believe the figure will be around the 100 mark.

Cllr Connolly confirmed to the Connacht Tribune that she will request a recount for anything up to 150 votes, which would bring the count into a fourth day.