Mystery surrounds missing local election ballot papers in Co Westmeath.
The votes never arrived at the count centre in Moate after being separated from the European and referendum votes at Athlone Institute of Technology.
When they still failed to show up by 9pm last night, count staff were sent home and are due to return at 9am this morning.
Returning Officer Ciaron Martin told Midlands 103's Head of News, Sinéad
Hubble: "In absence in ballot papers arriving over to me from the Local European Returning Officer, I've made the call in fairness to the candidates who are waiting around here and also my staff who are waiting here to adjourn until 9am tomorrow morning."
Asked if there was any reason why the ballot papers never arrived, he said: "That's a matter for the Local European Returning Officer."
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