Smith (FF) and Fay (Ind) ahead in Cavan-Belturbet

88% of boxes in MD opened at 1:15pm

Over three quarters of the boxes have been opened in Cavan-Belturbet, with Fianna Fáil's Áine Smith (18.4%) looking on course to get elected in the first count according to tallies, followed closely by Independent Brendan Fay (18.1%).

Both look destined to get in on the first count.

There is congestion thereafter, with Fianna Fáil's John Paul Feeley (10.6%), Sinn Féin's Damien Brady (10.8%), and Fine Gael's Peter McVitty (9.7%) and Niamh Brady (9.4%), with the next nearest beyond that being Patricia Walsh (FF- 8.8%) and Michael 'Bricker' Wall (Sf- 7.3%).

Fay says he is humbled by the response he has received.

He's spent the last three months walking up highways and bye-roads, calling to as many homes and businesses as he could. His voice is hoarse, his legs tired, but as he says himself, if he gets over the line and re-elected “it'll all be worth it”.

“The people have come out, and supported me. Its absolutely fantastic, its humbling. I've worked hard, people have seen I've worked hard, but they've come out and given me their vote and I'm very thankful for that.”

Fay's hometown of Belturbet and its hinterland backed him heavily, even at the expense of some other candidates who have struggled to gain traction in the race behind the now established forerunners.

Fay says its different this time out from five years ago in that he's “more aware” of what's happening, and better able to focus in on where trends are emerging.

“That's the experience. In the five years I've got to learn how things work. Even here in the count centre I'm looking, absorbing, I'm enjoying it even because I know that bit more.”