The recount to decide the last seat in the 29th Dáil is underway in Wicklow.
Almost one week after polling day, just five votes separate Labour's Mr Nicky Kelly and outgoing Independent, TD, Ms Mildred Fox, for the final seat in the five-seater constituency.
Tensions rose at yesterday's count, where Mr Kelly could be heard taking exception to the Fianna Fáil legal team, which was taking a keen interest in scrutinising each vote.
In a exchange with the returning officer, Ms Breda Allen, Mr Kelly said it was up to her "to solve the problem. We have half the Four Courts in here," he said.
The returning Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Mr Billy Timmins, could also be heard saying, "It's all a farce anyway."
The count is expected to be completed later today.