Counting is underway in the race to become Ireland’s first directly-elected mayor.
The identity of Limerick’s ‘first citizen’ is expected to be revealed by the end of the day.
15 people are vying to win the historic election, which is seen as a test case for other cities around the country.
Two independent candidates are in the lead - former secretary general at the Department of Finance, John Moran, and businesswoman and community advocate, Helen O’Donnell.
Moran pulled ahead in the race in Saturday’s tally, at 24%, with O’Donnell on 16%.
However, both are well off the expected quota of about 40,000.
A close eye being kept on the destination of vote transfers, especially from Dee Ryan of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s Daniel Butler.
New York, London, Paris...now it's #Limerick's turn to elect a mayor!
All 40 council seats have been filled here at @LimerickRaces, so all eyes turn to the #mayoral contest, with the counting process now underway.
First count result expected around lunchtime. pic.twitter.com/rpaj2TgoZs— Ellen Butler (@LN_but) June 10, 2024
All 40 seats have now been filled on Limerick Council, so full attention here is on completing the mayoral count as quickly as possible.
Directly-elected mayors have already been elected in international cities including, New York, London and Paris.
Reporting by Ellen Butler at Limerick Racecourse
