Aontú unlikely to go down legal route if council election goes against Kildare candidate

Aontú are unlikely to take a case to court of the fourth Newbridge area recount, currently underway at the Kildare County Council election count centre in Punchestown goes against them.

Party leader Peader Tóibín visited the centre this afternoon.

The outcome of the vote may be open to a legal challenge in the circuit court and Mr Tóibín said Aontú is not likely to go to court.

However he also said the "result needs to be clear and that's all we're looking for."

He praised the work of the count staff and said that the issue has arisen because  each count has returned slightly differerent figures.

He praised  Ms Byrne and said she had shown great mettle in the campaign in the count and he also praised Sinn Fein's James Stokes as a fantastic candidate.

"It is a very stressful time for both. There is only a cigarette paper between them. I felt Melissa would be a great candidate. She is extremely bright and is a tremendous representative for us. I feel she is someone to watch out for in the future."