Fianna Fail and Soc Dems the big winners on Day 2 as Stephen Donnelly faces uphill battle for re-election

The Greystones incumbent knew by yesterday morning she was likely to secure one of Wicklow's four seats, having met the substantial quota of 11,415.

Elected at the ninth count with a total of 12,224 votes, the Social Democrats candidate expressed gratification for exceeding her quota, particularly with a transfer of 1,700 crucial votes.

The battle continues intensely for the fourth seat, as Edward Timmins from FG and Stephen Donnelly from FF compete, now joined by five remaining candidates.

Sinn Féin's John Brady has firmly secured the third seat, while Independents Shay Cullen and Joe Behan also remain contenders for the final seats in Wicklow.

Read at Irish Independent