If the tallies are correct, Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty will top the poll in the Donegal constituency tonight with a massive surplus of over 6,200.
Once his excess is distributed, it could also see his west Donegal foe, Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher of Fianna Fail make a remarkable return to the Dáil at 76-years-of-age.
Despite their political differences, these two giants of Donegal politics exchanged a friendly handshake and a chat as they crossed each other’s paths at the election count at the Aura Centre in Letterkenny this evening. Only time will tell, but it is highly speculated that the pair will be joined on the ‘other side’ tomorrow by Doherty’s running mate, Padraig MacLochlainn. That will leave a fierce battle for the final two seats between Fianna Fail Minister, Charlie McConalogue, Independent Thomas Pringle and Charles Ward of the 100% Redress Party.
The big story of the day, so far, is that Fine Gael will not retain Joe McHugh’s seat, leaving the party with no Donegal TD for the first time since 1937.
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