General Election: Harkin still in with a shout in Sligo Leitrim

The outgoing TD has transferred well so far, edging ahead of Dr Edel McSharry in Count 5

Sitting TD Marian Harkin (Ind) has remained optimistic at the Sligo Leitrim / South Donegal General Election count, despite a strong field in the running for the four seats.

For the first four counts, she sat in seventh place in a busy mid-table, but she is transferring reasonably well and in Count 5 her total reached 4,678, thanks to 154 transfers. This moved her into sixth position, ahead of newcomer Dr Edel McSharry (FF) for the first time. McSharry sits on 4,560, having only taken 29 transfers from Des Guckian's distribution.

Feighan remains in front on 9,213, having pickedup 110 transfers. Martin Kenny is still in second on 8,056, having received 189 of Michael Kelly's transfers. Michael Clarke is in third on 6,330, taking 117 transfers. He is followed by Eamon Scanlon on 5,965, including 13 transfers, and Chris MacManus on 5,276, with 17 transfers.

With no candidate reaching the quota, Returning Officer Paraic O'Grady announced the elimination of Graham Monaghan, Aontú. His 1,425 will be distributed.

The standings after Count 5 are as follows, with transfers received from the distribution of Des Guckian's votes in brackets:

Frank Feighan, FG, 9,213 (110)

Martin Kenny, SF, 8,056 (189)

Michael Clarke, Ind Ireland, 6,330 (117)

Eamon Scanlon, FF, 5,276 (17)

Chris MacManus, SF, 5,259 (34)

Marian Harkin, Ind, 4,678 (154)

Dr Edel McSharry, FF, 4,560 (29)

Paddy O'Rourke, FF, 4,272 (171)

Marie Casserly, Ind, 2,631 (42)

Nessa Cosgrove, Lab, 2,487 (6)

Gino O'Boyle, PBP-S, 1,862 (17)