Cork East General Election 2024 updates: first count commencing in Mallow, 57pc turnout
Seats filled: 0
4.15: Complete tally shows seven-horse race in Cork East
With all 127 boxes of votes sorted, outgoing TDs Pat Buckley (SF) and James O’Connor (FF) are leading the way alongside Mark Stanton (FG) on 12pc each.
Just behind on 11pc are Fermoy councillors Noel McCarthy (FG) and Deirdre O’Brien.
Liam Quaide (SD) and William O’Leary (Ind) are each on 10pc and are still in with a shout.
Despite an early lead, Independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley has fallen behind (8pc).
3.40pm: Soc Dems Tally man is ‘best dressed’ at Mallow Count Centre courtesy of custom ‘dog shirt’
The best-dressed in Mallow count centre is most certainly Ken Curtin, who is donning a fantastic custom-made shirt emblazoned with the faces of his beloved pet dogs Toffee and Milo.
Ken, a Social Democrats tally man from Cobh, told The Corkman that he had his shirt made through an online company.
In a sea of sensible attire donned by those observing the three Cork County vote counts at Mallow GAA Complex, Ken has added some much-needed colour to the ‘serious’ proceedings courtesy of his flamboyant top.
Ken said he is hopeful that his party’s Cork East candidate, councillor Liam Quaide, can secure one of the four Dáil seats on offer. Tallies indicate that Cllr Quaide currently has around 11pc of the vote.
The tally man said he is also happy with how the Social Democrats have done in the election nationally, and would support them going into Government if the conditions were right.
A left alliance, consisting of the Soc Dems, Labour and the Greens, is also something that might appeal to Ken in the future.
3pm: Voter turnout was 57pc in Cork East
Counting is taking place in Mallow GAA Complex after a lull in activity as counters ate their lunch.
Beef stroganoff and chicken curry was on the menu – RTÉ journos the only media to have a table reserved in dining room
12:50: Tallies portray close race in Cork East
With most boxes opened, the race for the four seats of Cork East remains tight.
Tallies suggest outgoing TD James O’Connor (FF) is leading the way with 13pc of the vote while Pat Buckley (SF) and Mark Stanton (FG) each have 12pc.
Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley (Ind), Deirdre O’Brien (FF) and Liam Quaide (SD) each have 11pc.
Noel McCarthy (FG) and William O’Leary (Ind) are still in contention too, with each sitting on 9pc.
11:45: Early tallies suggest Independent candidate strong in Cork East
Independent candidate Mary Linehan-Foley could secure her first Dáil seat as she is currently tallying on 13% in Cork East.
Fermoy councillor Deirdre O’Brien (FF) is looking even more likely to secure her first seat in Dublin, currently topping the tallies with 14%.
The tallies indicate Outgoing TDs Pat Buckley (SF) and James O’Connor (FF) are each on 11%.
Noel McCarthy (10%) and William O’Leary (9%) are posing a strong challenge in the constituency.
Just over half the boxes have been opened.
10:30: The first count for Cork East is well underway
The count has been underway since 9am at Mallow GAA Complex.
With three counts taking place, there is a big crowd present at the state of the art facility.
