General Election: South Donegal vote helps Kenny take Sligo Leitrim seat

Sinn Féin's Martin Kenny has taken the second seat in the Sligo Leitrim south Donegal constituency, having having received 5,215 transfers from eliminated party colleague Chris Mac Manus, bringing his total to 15,433.

His surplus of 4,052 is being distributed, and could well decide the remaining Sligo Leitrim General Election seats

See our Live Updates for the latest news from the General Election count in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo

The south Donegal vote played a big part in keeping Kenny in a strong position throughout the count. Approximately 4,200 people cast their vote in the south Donegal portion of the constituency. According to tallies, around 1,215 gave Martin Kenny their Number 1. A further 416 gave his party colleague their first preference vote. 

Kenny says the two-candidate strategy helped secure a large portion of the vote for Sinn Féin.

"We almost got two elected and that will be the strategy next time," he said.

There are three candidates in the running for the two remaining seats. Eamon Scanlon (FF) is on 9,967, requiring 1,414 to reach the quota. It is likely that he will be elected on the next count.

Independent TD Marian Harkin is in line to retain her seat. She is on 8,829 and has been transferring consistently well.

Newcomer Michael Clarke (Ind Ireland) is not far behind on 8,318.