A recount of votes is underway in the Birr constituency after a similar result after the 12th count

A recount of votes in the Birr constituency is underway at the Offaly Electoral Center in Mucklagh.

The returning official announced that he would begin by re-examining the ballots of Peter Ormond, Clare Claffey and Sean Maher.

Claffey’s party, the Social Democrats, requested a recount after Sinn Fein was 27 votes behind Maher at the end of the 12th ballot last night.

As it stands, Audrey Hennessy Kennedy of Maher and Fianna Fail was elected.

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