Fifth count underway in Cavan and Monaghan

The fifth count is underway in Cavan and Monaghan this morning as counters distribute the votes of John Wilson (NP) who was eliminated in the early hours of this morning following the fourth count.

At this point, only Minister Heather Humphreys (FG) has been elected. She took the first seat in this now four-seater following the result of the first count after 8pm yesterday evening. She polled 12,391 first preferences votes, bringing her over the line of the quota - which is 11,981.

Sinn Féin's Caoimghin O Caolain sits in second position with 10,265 votes following the fourth count, while Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) is in third with 8,850 votes - putting them in a strong position to take the second and third seats.

The battle is on, however for the fourth seat. Deputy Joe O'Reilly (FG) is in fourth position at the moment on 6,887 voets but dark horse Cllr Niamh Smyth (FF) is some 500 votes behind him on 6,342 votes with many commentators saying that the young Bailieborough councillor is likely to attract more transfers.

Sinn Féin's Kathryn O'Reilly is not out of the race either. She's hot on Cllr Smyth's heels with 6,268 votes.

With thousands of votes to be distributed from eliminated candidates today, the race for the final seat is sure to be a close affair between the three main political parties.

Former Fine Gael Deputy Sean Conlan, now independent, has not yet been eliminated and has 1,410 first preferences. He's expected to be eliminated following the result of the fifth count, meaning he will have lost his seat.

It's all to play for in Cavan and Monaghan today for that last seat.

The Anglo-Celt news team will be here until it's filled - tune into our live blog:

http://www.anglocelt.ie/news/roundup/articles/2016/02/27/4115221-ge2016-anglo-celt-live-blog/