Sinn Féin’s Mr Nicky Kehoe has conceded defeat to Fianna Fáil in Dublin Central following a recount.
The recount recommenced earlier today but in the final tally Mr Kehoe failed to overtake Dr Dermot Fitzpatrick of Fianna Fáil.
Sinn Féin had called the recount late last night in the hope that Mr Kehoe would take the last of the four seats ahead of Dr Fitzpatrick (the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern’s running mate) who was ahead of Mr Kehoe by 74 votes after the final count.
However earlier this morning the Sinn Féin president, Mr Gerry Adams said he had told party supporters in the constituency not to expect too much.
The recount was called after a number of Sinn Fein queries last night were upheld by Dublin Central returning officers who then agreed to the recount.
