GALWAY WEST - Kyne predicted to take 2nd FG seat

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

The recount – requested by Fine Gael’s Fidelma Healy Eames – continues in the Galway West count centre in Leisureland and is expected to end at midnight without a declaration. 

Pundits are predicting that county councillor Sean Kyne will take a second seat for Fine Gael after Brian Walsh, based on predicted transfers after the likely elimination of Fidelma Healy Eames and an expected redistribution of former Mayor of Galway Walsh’s surplus. 

At the moment, representatives of the remaining candidates are studying ballot papers for discrepancies as they are counted. 

Among the discrepancies being sought by the parties are papers which are not clearly marked, or have not been correctly ‘punched’ at the polling station – which effectively become spoiled votes. 

Strategists believe that if Healy Eames is eliminated tomorrow, Walsh will get 45% of her transfers, Kyne 32%, Grealish 16% and Connolly 7%. 

It’s too close to call, although most strategists believe Kyne will just about take the seat. 

If that scenario arose, it could potentially lead to a further recount, because the votes between Kyne and Catherine Connolly (Ind) would be so close. 

A declaration of the count is expected on Monday morning.