Mullooly overtaken in EU race but Tóibín transfers could prove crucial
Sinn Fein Candidate Michelle Gildernew has overtaken Ciaran Mullooly in the Midlands North West MEP race. Picture date: Wednesday June 12, 2024.
Sinn Féin may yet claim a seat in the Midlands North West constituency after the transfer of Chris MacManus’ votes has put Michelle Gildernew back into contention.
The former MP received 20,692 votes from MacManus in Count 18 to put her narrowly ahead of Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland) by 74,795 votes to 73,101.
However, Mullooly may expect to transfer well from the eliminated Peadar Tobin. The Aontú leader was excluded at the conclusion of Count 18 and his 56,633 votes will now be redistributed.
The top four candidates look safe barring a major turn of events.
Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is edging ever closer to the quota of 113,325. The Roscommon man is currently on 110,533 votes. Nina Carberry and Maria Walsh, both of Fine Gael are neck and neck with 86,865 and 86,401 respectively while Barry Cowen (FF) has 85,892.
Gildernew is next, followed by Mullooly. Lisa Chambers transferred well from Fianna Fáil colleague Niall Blaney earlier today but may be the next candidate eliminated as her 60,537 votes leaves well out of the mix at this stage.
