Returning officer happy for Limerick City count to proceed despite 'error' on ballot paper

THE counting of votes in the Limerick City constituency is underway despite there being an error on ballot papers given to voters during Friday's General Election.

Ahead of the first ballot boxes being opened this Saturday morning, deputy returning officer Vincent Murray confirmed the returning officer Rita Considine was aware of the error and had considered it.

"The returning officer is aware of an error on the ballot paper in relation to the order of surnames. The returning officer has considered this matter and is satisfied the count should proceed," he said.

As reported by Limerick Live on Friday night, some candidates' names did not appear on the ballot paper in alphabetical order (see below) - sparking some concerns over the validity and legality of the vote.

The first of the ballot boxes were opened shortly after 9am this Saturday at the Limerick count centre at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell.

Votes cast in the four-seat Limerick City constituency are being counted on the ground floor while votes cast in the three-seat Limerick County constituency are being counted on the third floor.

The first of the tallies will emerge across the morning before the count proper gets underway.

Follow our LIVE blog across the weekend for full coverage and analysis.