Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada has conceded in the Ireland South MEP election.
The recount has now been halted and her votes will be redistributed in the morning to determine the fourth and fifth seats.
The full recount got underway today where there was only a slight margin of 326 votes between Liadh Ní Riada and The Green's Grace O'Sullivan, Cork Beo reports.
Count staff and candidates had been warned this morning that the process could take up to six weeks while the total cost could have reached €1m.
The recount, which was relatively rare in Irish elections, was ordered after Sinn Féin appealed a partial re-check after the close call between Ní Riada and O'Sullivan.
Gardai had previously been keeping a 24 hour guard on the ballots at Nemo Rangers.
Ms Ní Riada offered her congratulations to her opponent Ms O'Sullivan as she conceded.
She said:“I want to warmly congratulate Grace on her election to the European Parliament.
“I am happy that the democratic process has delivered the clarity we sought given that the initial difference was so tight.
“I want to sincerely thank Returning Officer Martin A. Harvey and his terrific staff for their diligence and hard work.
“We ran a hard fought campaign and we left everything on the pitch. Unfortunately, we came up short this around.
"I want to express my undying gratitude to my office staff, my campaign team and every member of Sinn Féin and those who voted for me.
“I am incredibly proud of my term as an MEP. I always did my very best to deliver for constituents and to defend Ireland’s interests in the European Parliament.
"Over the past five years, Sinn Féin’s team of MEPs have stood up for equality, social justice and democracy. I am honoured that I was part of those efforts."
