SF to win 5-6 seats, FG vote collapses - tallies

Date: 19th May '02

Name: article from RM Irish news round up

Flash: SF to win 5-6 seats, FG vote collapses - tallies

Sinn Fein has more than doubled its vote to win a minimum of four
and up to seven seats in Friday's general election, according to
early tallies.

Pundits have grudgingly admitted Sinn Fein have performed
"spectacularly" and is the success story of the election. It
should add at least four seats to the seat being comfortably
retained by Caoimhghin O Coalain in Cavan/Monaghan and will be a
significant new force in the next Dail.

Fine Gael's vote has collapsed, with leading figures facing the
end of their political careers. Its national vote share has
slumped to 22% in the exit poll.

Fianna Fail is certain to return to government with Bertie Ahern
as Taoiseach, with a chance of securing an overall majority
depending on how the last seats go in many constituencies.
According to an exit poll, the party added 4% to its 1997 first
preference support of 43%. A high ratio of transfers from all
parties could push them past the post of 83 seats nationally.

The Progressive Democrats (3%) Greens (4%) and Labour (12%) have
held their ground or improved slightly, according to the exit
poll.

Tallies inicates independent candidates have also polled strongly
across the State and will increase their number in the Dail.

TOP OF THE POLLS

Sean Crowe is set be elected early for Sinn Fein in Dublin South
West and could also top the poll. In a dramatic turnaround, Fine
Gael's former poll-topper Brian Hayes has been pushed out.

Early tallies show Sinn Fein is virtually certain to win a seat
in North Kerry and Martin Ferris may also top the poll. A
declaration is expected there at around 3pm.

Arthur Morgan in Louth should take a seat from Labour's Michael
Bell after reaching 14.2% in an early tally. Sinn Fein also has
excellent prospects in other seats, such as Dublin North-West
where an early tally shows 18% for Dessie Ellis and Dublin
South-Central, where tallymen say Aengus O Snodaigh is at 17% and
topping the poll.

Tallies in other areas are still unclear and are subject to an
early bias.

Fine Gael is on course to lose seats across the country following
its disastrous showing in Dublin North and Dublin West last
night. The party will lose seats to Sinn Fein in North Kerry and
Dublin South West and its collapse is set to hand the Progressive
Democrats a seat in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown.

If the trend continues and several leading figures are ousted
from the Dail, the Fine Gael collapse could become a a melt-down.

Futher news as hard results come in.

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