All seats are now filled Cork East although three candidates did not reach the quota of 9,602 votes.

Fine Gael alderman Noel McCarthy will be Fermoy’s first TD in 33 years after securing 9,561 votes. Mr McCarthy, who is originally from Cobh, said it will also be the first time in 27 years that Cobh will have a TD.

“The people of Fermoy and Cobh felt they didn’t have a voice, I want to be that voice for them,” he said.

Sinn Féinpp Pat Buckleywho topped the poll in 2020, also took the spot with 9,194 votes.

“I am very humble, very proud. It was a wild campaign in a short period and I have to thank my team.

“It’s a very mixed, emotional day. I have to get out and start helping people again. I really want to make a difference.”

Social Democrat alderman Liam Quaide took the fourth and final place with 7,925 votes.

It is the first time a Social Democrat has taken a seat in Cork East.

“There is a strong appetite for change out there.

“For me, the issue of this election has been disability and (…) the neglect of disability services.”

The youngest TD in the last day, Fianna Failpp James O’Connor topped the poll this morning with 9,924 votes.

An emotional Mr O’Connor (27) thanked his team, especially his mother, for their support.

Fine Gael’s Mark Stanton, son of outgoing TD and former Prime Minister David Stanton, was eliminated on the 12th and final count by 7,793 votes.