Longford #LE2024: European race sees Mullooly take Longford lead
European ballot papers opened at the count Centre in Athlone TUI
Longford has given Ciaran Mullooly a significant backing in the first eight boxes of European ballot papers opened at the count Centre in Athlone TUI.
The constituency takes in 15 counties across three provinces with a population of around 1.8 million people.
The TF Royal Hotel Theatre is the venue for the biggest election count ever seen in the country.
The eight boxes opened so far show that the Independent Ireland candidate had amassed 809 votes, 33% of the votes cast in this boxes, with the next nearest FF's Barry Cowen with 296. Following that are: Maria Walsh (FG) 257, Luke Ming Flanigan (Ind) 249, Nina Carbery (FF) 147 and Chris McManaus (SF) 99.
There are 21 Westmeath boxes opened, representing 18.1% of the overall vote. In that county Barry Cowen leads the pack with 975 votes (16.9) with Mr Mullooley second on 897, (15.5%). Luke Ming Flanigan has 630, Nina Carbery 557, Maria Walsh 511 and Michelle Gildernew (SF) 338.