Counting of votes resumes

The recounting of votes is underway at the count centre in the Presentation Secondary School in Thurles.

It follows the 9th count which was the distribution of Phyll Bugler’s 5,000 votes after the Fine Gael candidate was eliminated.

This saw the two lowest candidates separated by just 7 votes. Roscrea based Michael Smith of Fianna Fáil was on 6,369 votes compared to the 6,362 of Thurles based Independent Jim Ryan.

Labour's Alan Kelly looks set to claim the second seat in the Tipperary North constituency while three other candidates will battle it out for the final seat. Those still in contention are Cllr Ryan O'Meara, Cllr Michael Smith and Cllr Jim Ryan.

It's hoped the outstanding seats will be filled later on today.