How it stands after first count for Callan-Thomastown: Surpluses to boost other candidates, tough night for others
Peter 'Chap' Cleere, Joe Sheridan, and Joe Lyons have all been elected
With the election of three candidates in the Callan-Thomastown electoral area, attention now turns to how their surpluses will be distributed, and who may benefit. The quota is 1,546.
Cllr Peter 'Chap' Cleere topped the poll with a massive 2,057 first preference votes, with Joe Sheridan behind him on 1,988 and Lyons picking up 1,612. Hoping to gain from the distribution of their surpluses will be the remaining FF and FG candidates in the area: Michael Doyle (FG) is very close to the quota of 1,546 with his total of 1,342. Deirdre Cullen (FF) will also benefit from Chap's surplus of 511 and Sheridan's of 442.
Stephanie Doyle of Sinn Fein is very much in the hunt with a first preference vote of 862. The fight for the final seat looks to be between her and Orla Kelly (FG).
It's been a tough day for the other two candidates in the area - David Kennedy (SF) and Kristina Doyle (SF), who are well short of the quota. We'll have reaction from David Kennedy coming shortly, as well as from some of the elected candidates.
The total poll was 11,032, and the valid poll was 10,817, with 215 invalid ballot papers.