Verifying ballot papers. Pic by Donna El Assaad.
RETURNING Officer, Geraldine O’Connor has just confirmed a recount of Dessie Shiels and Gary Doherty’s votes is taking place, following a request by Sinn Fein.
This should be completed at around 3:30 pm.
Speculation here is rife that Sinn Fein may seek a full recount.
The election count proper was suspended at around 2 am this morning after Sinn Fein called for a recheck of bundles after their candidate Gary Doherty was eliminated at the end of the seventh count – just seven votes adrift of Dessie Shiels.
Following that re-check, it is believed that gap has now been narrowed to just four.
Party strategists believe the longer Gary Doherty stays in the election, the better chances of his transfers getting Padraig MacLochlainn over the line ahead of Thomas Pringle.