The process to decide the fourth and final seat in Bantry West Cork LEA is down to the scrutinising of a handful of votes after a second recount triggered earlier today.

Just one vote separated Holly McKeever Cairns of the Social Democrats and Independent candidate Finbarr Harrington when the result of the first recount was announced on Tuesday morning. It reversed the final position from Sunday's first full count, when Mr Harrington got the nod by one vote.

Mr Harrington called for a second recount and while that finished before 5pm, there have been discussions over doubtful ballots.

For the past hour a four-strong panel from Cork County Council, including Returning Officer Maurice Manning, have been going through the disputed papers in front of the two candidates and two members each of their respective teams.

Those at the table, including Social Democrat joint leader Róisín Shortall, are viewing the disputed papers one by one on floor 16 of County Hall in Cork, with supporters looking on.