Bannon elected on sixth count

Deputy James Bannon has taken the second seat in the Longford Westmeath constituency, on the 6th count, joining Deputy Willie Penrose who was returned on the 2nd count.Currently underway is distribution of Bannon's surplus of 934.Going into the seventh round, Nicky McFadden is ahead, on 9071; followed by Robert Troy on 8490; with in third place Peter Burke on 7207 and then Paul Hogan on 6340.Bannon's surplus is probably more likely to help Burke than McFadden, but the gap between McFadden and Burke is looking insurmountable, at almost 2000 votes, and so it's likely that the final shake up will see the four names representing the constituency as Penrose, Bannon, McFadden and Troy.