MICHAEL D STILL SHY OF QUOTA AFTER THIRD COUNT

Date Published: 29-Oct-2011

Galway's Michael D Higgins has failed to reach the quota after the third count at Dublin Castle.

Gay Mitchell and Martin McGuinness have now been eliminated and the Galway candidate is still some 90,000 votes shy of the quota.

However, this fourth count is expected to give him the votes he requires.

A final declaration is now expected sometime around 4 or 5 o 'clock this afternoon.

Michael D Higgins' inauguration will then take place on November 11th.

However, from tomorrow, the Labour candidate will have to put plans in place for his new role such as security, garda protection and a chauffeur driven car.

Busloads of home supporters have already started arriving in Dublin to celebrate his imminent victory.