Former Fianna Fáil senator Dan Kiely is pressing ahead with a legal challenge to the result of the local election in the Listowel electoral area. The now independent candidate lost out by just two votes to Fine Gael’s Mike Kennelly in the final count – a result that was upheld in a recount demanded by Mr Kiely on Sunday.

Mr Kiely is now going to the courts in an effort to force another recount – one that will allow him to look at the 173 spoiled votes in the Listowel local electoral area.

Mr Kiely said that neither he nor any of his agents were party to the adjudication on the invalid votes on Saturday and did not have an opportunity to examine them before the recount.

Former Senator lost out by two votes (Dónal Nolan, The Kerryman) (not available online)