Fitzmaurice ready to top the poll

By David Connors

IT’S Independent central in Hyde Park at the Roscommon Galway count with sitting TDs Michael Fitzmaurice and Denis Naughten receiving almost 50 per cent of the first preference votes according to the final tallies.

Fitzmaurice, a native of Glinsk, looks on course to surpass the anticipated quota of 11,287, at the first count, with 12,904 votes.

From the tally figures, former Minister for Communications Denis Naughten is next in line on 8,310 with Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane, who was eliminated in the seventh count in 2016, performing well and hot on the Independent’s heels tallying a figure of 7,873.

Interestingly, the Sinn Fein candidate alone has almost matched the joint totals of outgoing TD Eugene Murphy (4,987) and Fianna Fáil party colleague Orla Leyden (3,019).

Ballinasloe councillor Aisling Dolan, who is representing Fine Gael, is in fourth spot with 5,391.

The first count is expected at approximately 5.30pm.

 

Final Tally Count

 

Michael Fitzmaurice (IND) 12,904

Denis Naughten (IND) 8,310

Claire Kerrane (SF) 7,873

Aisling Dolan (FG) 5,391

Eugene Murphy (FF) 4,987

Orla Leyden (FF) 3,019

Julie O’Donoghue (GP) 1,385

James Hope (Aontú) 465

Kenny Tynan (S – PBP) 408

Paul Hanley (NP) 310

Thomas D Fallon (IND) 94