By Dara Bradley

Independent Ireland has made big gains in Conamara at the expense of Fianna Fáil, Galway West tallies suggest.

With 40% of boxes opened, the new party’s County Councillor Noel Thomas, a former Fianna Fáil man, is on 13% of the vote – thanks to surge in support in Conamara.

He’s in a battle for a seat with City Councillor John Connolly (FF) on 13%, Catherine Connolly (Ind) on 12%, Mairead Farrell on 14%, Fine Gael’s duo of Seán Kyne (10%) and Hildegarde Naughton (8%).

Noel Grealish, another Independent, is on 5% but will benefit from boxes east of Galway City (Oranmore, Carnmore, Claregalway) which are yet to be tallied.

Broadcaster Gráinne Seoige (FF) is on 5%; Helen Ogbu (Labour) is on 3%; Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green) is on 3%; Eibhlín Seoighthe (Soc Dem) is on 4%, and Mike Cubbard Ind is on 4%.