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The Local Election Count is well into Day 2 – though there is still no sign of an official announcement of the first count in any of the areas.
But there is still a lively buzz in Kealew Business Park as candidates and their supporters mingle as they await an announcement from Returning Officer Donal Brennan.
Among those knocking around include Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan and former senator Charlie McDonald as well as a range of candidates fighting for their seat in the three districts.
Thomasina Connell (Fine Gael), Dom Dunne (Renua), Pauline Madigan (Fianna Fail) and Naeem Iqbal (Independent) are all in the house as they get set to sit through the battle for the last seat in the Portlaoise Municipal District.
Eoin Barry (Labour) and Aisling Moran (Fine Gael) are also present – Moran is likely to lead the way on first preferences in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District but will have to battle with Barry for the last seat.
There is also set to be a huge battle for seats in the Borris-Mountmellick area.
Long-serving Fine Gael councillor David Goodwin has been here since early morning with his son Bill and is in a contest with the likes of independent Ollie Clooney from Durrow, his Fine Gael running mate Conor Bergin from Borris-in-Ossory, Brendan Phelan (independent) from Rathdowney as well as his Rosenallis neighbour Seamus McDonald (Fianna Fáil).
McDonald, however, is slightly ahead of the others – but not as solid looking as outgoing Cathaoirleach John King (Fine Gael) and strong vote getters James Kelly (Independent) and Paddy Bracken (Fianna Fáil).
We captured a number of images from the morning – including ones of some of the candidates young grand-children. Tadhg Brennan (18 months) is supporting his grand-father Ben while Tom Mulhall’s three-year-old grand-daughter Alison is still urging people to vote ‘GaGa’ Number 1!
Ben and Tom are both assured of seats in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington
SEE ALSO – LIVE BLOG: Follow all of the action from Day 2 of the Election Count
