Former Fianna Fáil minister Dick Roche has been eliminated this evening after a recount in the Wicklow constituency.
Mr Roche, who held the post of minister of State for European Affairs, was first elected in 1987. He lost his seat in the 1992 general election but was elected to Seanad Éireann. He was returned to the 28th Dáil in the 1997 election and has remained a TD since.
His elimination was greeted by applause at the count centre in Greystones tonight.
Mr Roche asked and was granted a full recount last night after returning officer Patricia Casey proposed his elimination after the 13th count. Mr Roche was at that stage just three votes behind party colleague, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald from Arklow.
This evening Ms Casey said there was “no significant” change to the numbers after an examination of ballot papers today.
The first 13 counts at the weekend indicated Fine Gael would take 3 seats, Labour one and the last seat a battle between independent candidate Stephan Donnelly and Sinn Féin's John Brady.