Counting in the Seanad election has started this afternoon for 43 of the 60 Seanad seats.
The boxes have been opened at Dublin Castle where strict protocols are in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Candidates have been asked to stay away from the count.
Among the candidates from the north west region are the cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Tom MacSharry; Donegal native Martina Harkin-Kelly, president of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation who trained in Sligo; Eileen Flynn from Ardara, Co Donegal, who is aiming to be the first Traveller in the Seanad; outoing Senator Brian O Domhnaill from Cloughaneely in County Donegal; and former Donegal TD Niall Blaney.
