Sligo-Leitrim Count Eight: Harkin makes gains in distribution of Cosgrove's votes

Count eight was declared shortly before 3:30pm. We are seeing longer times between results now as distributed votes get higher.

Marian Harkin (IND) made significant gains from Nessa Cosgrove's (LAB) transfers. She received 558 distributed votes boosting her to 5,688, just below Eamon Scanlon (FF) by 449 votes.

Harkin's re-election prospects may rely on another significant gain in the distribution of votes from Marie Casserly (IND) whose votes will be transferred in count nine. 

Harkin still faces a battle to retain her seat, but it is certainly not looking as bleak as before.

Feighan is 1,638 votes from being re-elected.

Marie Casserly (IND) was eliminated. Her 3,480 votes will be distributed in count nine.

The following are vote numbers per candidate after count eight:

Frank Feighan (+426) - 9743

Martin Kenny (+286) - 8717

Michael Clarke (+94) - 6879

Eamon Scanlon (+78)  - 6137

Chris MacManus (+327) - 6369

Edel McSharry (+275) - 4948

Marian Harkin (+558)  - 5688

Paddy O'Rourke (+31) - 4360

Marie Casserly (+586) - 3480 (eliminated)

READ MORE: Sligo-Leitrim Count Seven: Chris MacManus (SF) big winner in distributed votes