Tóibín wins the second seat in Meath West

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has become the second TD elected in Meath West.

He was elected on the fourth count after 1,720 transfers from independent candidate Noel French brought him well over the quota to finish with 10,054 votes.

In terms of vote share, Tóibín polled 20 per cent of first preference votes, which is up two and a half per cent from 2020.

Speaking after his election, Tóibín said he was "delighted" and also a little bit relieved.

"Some of the early tallies gave me a bit of a shock to be honest and I had spent so much time out of the constituency during this campaign in terms of manifestos, media and campaigning in other constituencies but I am delighted the Aontú vote is up two and a half per cent in this constituency.

"I also want to say well done to Emer Tóibín over in Meath East. I believe she is in fifth place in a four seater with a good of votes behind her so fingers crossed that she might have an opportunity of challenging for a seat there.

"This year I definitely think Aontú has come of age. We have successfully impacted on the referendums, really impacted in this election debate. Our vote has doubled.

"We are ahead of People before Profit, Independent Ireland and even the Greens, we are looking at going ahead of as well. Hopefully we will get another candidate across the line in terms of a Dáil seat but whatever happens this is a big platform for us to challenge the Government on in the future."