Kilkenny candidate Funchion hoping for ‘really good transfer rate’ from fellow Sinn Fein candidate

Kilkenny Sinn Fein TD and MEP candidate Kathleen Funchion has said that she is ‘very hopeful’ she will be elected to the Ireland South constituency.

The roughly 715,000 EU election ballot papers at Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork went through a lengthy ‘sub-sort’ before the actual count began.

The announcement of first count result had been expected by lunchtime on Monday, June 10, but is now expected closer to 9pm.

Based on the size of ballot piles stacked in the sports club’s hall, Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly and Fianna Fail’s Billy Kelleher will be re-elected as MEPs.

But several rounds of further counting – after eliminated candidates’ votes are redistributed – will be needed before the final three seats become clear.

Along with Ms Funchion, in contention for those seats are Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara, who was vocal in his opposition to the two defeated March referenda; and outgoing MEP and ex-Co Wexford TD Mick Wallace.

Ms Funchion said that transfer votes will be “a key part” of how the count plays out.

Read Also: European Elections 2024: Count is back underway for Ireland South

“I have been in several elections and have had really good days and really bad days in count centres,” she said.

“So I’m always very, very cautious when it comes to it. We have to see the first count and unusually there has been no tally because it’s a European election.

“I would be hopeful, very hopeful. But I do think, as we’ve seen throughout so many of our local councils over the weekend, transfers are a key part of it, and you could think you’re doing great and all of a sudden there’s a surplus or section of transfers that you didn’t foresee.”

Ms Funchion ran her campaign on a two-man ticket with Limerick senator and fellow candidate Paul Gavan.

However Mr Gavan seems to have conceded defeat to his Sinn Fein colleague.

Speaking in Limerick late Sunday night following his wife Ursula’s election to the City East electoral area, he said that “looking at the situation realistically”, Kathleen would take a seat ahead of him.

“I really want to see Kathleen elected, and if I can play a small part in making that happen, I’ll be very proud to do that,” he continued.

“I think one thing that I have found very interesting just from my own engagement at local level with tallies is transfers, in general, there’s no pattern now I will say,” Ms Funchion added.

“We have had a really good transfer rate for Sinn Fein and that has gotten some of our people over the line locally. I would expect that we’ll have a really good transfer between myself and Paul. But it’s still early days in terms of the seat. Hopefully the first count will be soon and we’ll have a little bit of a clearer picture.”