General Election: Frank Feighan is elected in Sligo Leitrim South Donegal

Frank Feighan has retained his seat in the Sligo Leitrim constituency

placeholder image — Frank Feighan has retained his seat in the Sligo Leitrim constituency

With Feighan's surplus not enough to affect the outcome, Chris MacManus is eliminated

Fine Gael's Frank Feighan has retained his seat, being the first candidate elected at the Sligo Leitrim south Donegal General Election count in the Clayton Hotel.

See our Live Updates for the latest news from the General Election count in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo

Feighan was elected in the 11th count with 12,241 votes, having picked up 1,177 from the elimination of Dr Edel McSharry.

Watch: TD Frank Feighan's message for the people of south Donegal

The announcement was made at around 8.40pm on Day 2 of the count.

There were jubilant scenes at the count centre where Feighan was joined by his wife Elaine, proud children Franesca and Macdara, and a wide circle of supporters.

Returning officer Paraic O'Grady told those present that as Feighan's surplus of 816 was not enough to materially affect the count, he would eliminate the lowest candidate.

Chris MacManus was therefore eliminated, and his surplus of 6,932 votes will be distributed.

Count 11 has also brought a huge shake up in the standings of the remaining candidates. Michael Clarke has dropped to fifth with 396 transfers bringing him up to 7,969.

As expected, Eamon Scanlon benifited the most from his party colleagues transfers, taking 2,428 to place him in a strong third, with 9,740. He sits just behind Martin Kenny (SF), who gained 271 from transfers to bring him to a total of 10,218. With 1,163 needed to reach the quota, and his party colleague's votes being distributed, Kenny may well be elected in the next count.

The standings after Count 11 are as follows, with transfers received from the distribution of Dr Edel McSharry’s votes in brackets:

Frank Feighan, FG, 12,241 (1,177) - Elected Count 11

Martin Kenny, SF, 10,218 (271)

Eamon Scanlon, FF, 9,740 (2,428)

Marian Harkin, Ind, 8,306 (1,161)

Michael Clarke, Ind Ireland, 7,969 (396)

Chris MacManus, SF 6,932 (234) - Eliminated Count 11

Dr Edel McSharry, FF - Eliminated Count 10

Paddy O'Rourke, FF - Eliminated Count 9

Marie Casserly, Ind - Eliminated Count 8

Nessa Cosgrove, Lab - Eliminated Count 7

Gino O'Boyle, PBP-S - Eliminated Count 6