Counting begins in Ballina Local Electoral Area

COUNTING has begun for the Ballina Local Electoral Area. 

Six seats are to be filled in the municipal district area, with tally figures suggesting that sitting councillors John O'Hara (Fine Gael) and Mark Duffy (Independent) will once again comfortably win election. Cllr O'Hara commands 16.7 percent of the Fine Gael tally while Cllr Duffy has 18 percent. 

Fianna Fáil councillors Annie May Reape and Michael Loftus have also showed well in tally figures - as did Fianna Fáil election newcomer David Alexander - but could be in for a longer afternoon. 

However, electoral newcomer Joe Faughnan has a genuine chance of winning Séamus Weir's old seat after he recorded a strong tally figure of 10.1 percent, according to Fine Gael figures. 

The well-known soccer manager and administrator attracted a strong vote in Mr Weir's old stomping ground of Knockmore and other parts of the Ballina Local Electoral Area. 

Sinn Féin are highly unlikely to win a seat in Ballina, with their candidates Antonio Cafolla and Úna Morris attracting less than 6 percent of the tallied votes between them.

Ballina town-based Fine Gael candidate Hugh Rouse looks set to struggle (3.3 percent) while sitting Killala-based Fine Gael councillor Jarlath has a chance of retaining his seat after a poorer-than-expected showing from Ms Morris. 

A full recount of the Swinford Local Electoral Area will also take place at 10am.

Follow the latest updates on the Mayo County Council elections here.