EXPLAINER: The Kildare LEA recount that caused a late-night shock
The recount resulted in the discovery of one minor error
A recount request was granted by Kildare County Council on Sunday night last during the Local Elections 2024.
The request was made by Fine Gael in relation to the Kildare Local Electoral Area.
Returning Officer Eoghan Ryan said that a Full Recount would begin the next day starting at 9.30am.
The announcement came after Shónagh Ni Raghallaigh (Sinn Féin) and Pat Balfe (Social Democrats) had been declared elected.
ERROR DISCOVERED
On the morning of Monday last, staff found one error: one vote meant for Pat Balfe accidentally went to Kevin Duffy.
Mr Ryan added that the counting staff would highlight every error individually if they came across any more.
However, just after 1.30pm on Monday, it was revealed to the Leinster Leader by a source that the matter had been settled, and that the results of Sunday night would proceed.
Around 15 minutes later, Mr Ryan formally announced that the results from the previous night would remain.
FORMALLY ELECTED
This means that the following candidates will take up their seats at Kildare County Council: Pat Balfe (Social Democrats), Shónagh Ní Rhaghallaigh (Sinn Féin), Brian O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil) Suzanne Doyle (Fianna Fáil) and Kevin Duffy (FG).