The results of the first count in the Louth constituency were announced at the count centre in Dundalk shortly after 7.30 pm.

No candidate has reached the quota of 10, 623 but the closest were Sinn Fein candidates Ruairí Ó Murchú on 8,728 votes and Joanna Byrne with 8.169 , Labour TD Ged Nash came in third and seems certain to retain his seat with 7,594 first preference votes.

Snapping at the three leaders’ heels are Erin McGreehan of Fianna Fail with 5,772 first preference votes, Paula Butterly of Fine Gael with 5,646 and Alison Comyn of Fianna Fail currently on 4,913.

The full results of the first count are:

Bradley, David IND – 157

Brennan, David IND – 671

Butler, Marianne Green Party – 1,504

Butterly, Paula FG – 5,646

Byrne, Albert Ind – 113

Byrne, Joanna SF – 8,169

Callan, Kevin Ind – 3,223

Carroll Ind – 40

Clare, Thomas Ind – 416

Comyn, Alison FF – 4,913

Fagan, Alan Ind – 114

Kelly, Hermann IFP -2,546

Mc Creanor, Niall SD – 1,547

McElearney, Derek TIP- 119

McGahon, John FG – 4021

McGreehan, Erin FF - 5772

McKeown, Ryan Ind Irl -305

Nash, Ged Labour – 7,594

Nugent, Peter James, Ind – 149

O’Dowd,  Michael  Aontú – 2,330

O’Hanlon, Tracy  Ind – 234

Ó Morchu, Ruairí – 8,728Reneghan, James PBP – 1,671

Watters, Antóin SF – 3,767

It seems unlikely that any candidate will be elected before midnight so Drogheda Life will be running the next update in the morning.