Local Elections Milford: Third seat up for grabs

Counting is underway in the Milford Local Electoral Area and will confirm that John O’Donnell will top the poll.
Despite being the focus of an RTE investigation and a SIPO probe, for every 4 people that voted in Milford, 1 voted for Councillor O’Donnell.
Liam Blaney of Fianna Fáil warned against apathy among this supporters and that paid off as he will comfortably retain his seat.
Things aren’t so clear for the third and final seat.
Fine Gael’s two candidates, Noel McBride and Eimer Friel, will be in a fight with each other and outgoing independent Councillor Ian McGarvey.  Sinn Féin’s Maria Doherty is also in with a shout. There’s little between all five and if things fall a certain way, others may still be in with a chance.
The outcome will mostly likely depend on transfers between the two Fine Gael candidates.
Tallies from the Milford Municipal District Area
Liam Blaney (Fianna Fáil) 1,676
Maria Doherty (Sinn Féin) 787
Eimer Friel (Fine Gael) 695
Dermot Hardy (Aontú) 328
Noel McBride (Fine Gael) 721
Ian McGarvey (Independent) 779
Charlie McGinley (Independent) 65
Declan Meehan (Independent) 685
John O’Donnell (Independent) 1,940