Local elections: Harley tracks Scanlon in battle for first Lifford-Stranorlar seat
The tally on Saturday had Martin Scanlon, an independent first-time candidate from Glenfin topping the poll on 1,387 first preference votes. Sitting Fine Gael Councillor Martin Harley was placed on 1,200. Now, though, it seems that Harley has closed the gap
Martin Harley (FG) is closing in on Martin Scanlon (Ind), according to the latest tallies from the Lifford-Stranorlar Local Electoral Area at the Finn Valley Centre in Stranorlar.
The tally on Saturday had Scanlon, an independent first-time candidate from Glenfin topping the poll on 1,387 first preference votes. Sitting Fine Gael Councollor Harley was placed on 1,200.
However, following the latest tally at 2:30pm, the Glenfin man is now on 1,458 with Harley just behind on 1,416. But, Scanlon is expected to stretch ahead once transfers from the first eliminated candidates are distributed.
The latest tally has Frank McBrearty in third place in the six-seater on 1,267, followed by Gary Doherty (SF) on 1,246, Patrick McGowan (FF) on 1,236 and Gerry Crawford (FF) on 1,085.
However, that sixth and final seat looks like being a close fight between Crawford, Dakota Nic Mheanman (SF), whose latest tally is 1,011, Niall McConnell (Ind) on 928 and Charles Ward (100% Redress) on 921. It also looks like Rebecca McDaid (Aontu) will be the first to be eliminated followed by Garvan Connolly (520 tally).
The result of the first official count is expected within the hour.