WATCH: No regrets about leaving Sinn Féin for Finian Toomey as he is eliminated in Cork North Central

Sinn Féin topped the poll in three constituencies in Cork South Central, North Central and Cork East in an unprecedented performance which has been reflected nationally.

However, Mr Toomey said his own personal political leanings were not aligned with those of Sinn Féin.

He told The Echo: “Here in Cork North Central, it’s my third election In 12 months. I doubled the vote from the first time out, and I’m after adding another 500 votes to it this time.

“It’s a slow but sure increase and going forward this party is here for the long term. We’re not expecting to be an overnight success, but we’re building across the 32 counties of this country, and were delighted with the success we’re having.” 

Mr Toomey is a former Sinn Fein party member but says despite their success, he’s happy with his decision to leave the party and join Aontu.

“The differences I had with the Sinn Fein party are fairly evident. Well done to the Sinn Féiners around the country who have done a fantastic job in garnishing a huge vote. I wonder do they even realize themselves who their electorate is now with the success that they have,” he said.

“The differences I had with the party were my own personal feelings on numerous subjects weren’t allowed to be articulated within that organization. That wasn’t going to change, so that’s why I left Sinn Féin,” he concluded.

As it stands, it’s likely Fianna Fáil’s Tony Fitzgerald will be the next to go, but less than 250 votes separate him and the Green Party’s Oliver Moran, so John Maher’s transfers will be crucial.