Boyle in front as final ballot papers are counted

Boyle in front as final ballot papers are counted

3 March 2017

IN an unbelievable twist, Joe Boyle is still in the running over nine hours after the first ballot paper was counted.

Strangford’s last seat is “too close to call” with Boyle 62 votes ahead at the start of the 10th count.

Head-to-head with former Education Minister Peter Weir of the DUP, the fifth seat remains unconfirmed.

There are now 423 surplus votes from elected Michelle McIlveen, also of the DUP.

However, the complicated transfer system means these could potentially amount to less than 62, giving Mr Boyle the fifth seat at his fifth contested Assembly election.

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