Michael McGrath warns about reading too much in to exit poll

Olivia Kelleher

Incoming EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has said that there is a danger in reading too much in to the exit poll last night and insists that “everything is still to play for.”

Speaking at Nemo Rangers Hurling and Football Club, where the votes for Cork North Central and Cork South Central are being counted, the Former Minister for Finance said that it was the first time in a long time that he had been in a count centre as something other than a candidate.

“I am here today in a different capacity. It is the first time in a long time that I have not been on the ballot paper."

"I am here today to do for my brother (Seamus who is a candidate) what he has done for me (tallies) over many elections.

"I am here to get some information and feedback from him. I am a keen observer of proceedings and due to take up a new office officially tomorrow in the European Union and one of my responsibilities is protecting democracy through the European Union.

This is an exercise in democracy. We set the standard here in Ireland and have free and fair elections. It is something which we should never take for granted.”

Seamus McGrath, the older brother of Michael, is aiming to secure his old Dáil seat in Cork South Central.

Mr McGrath said that turnout is strong particularly given the poor weather conditions nationwide yesterday.

"I think it is very important we appreciate just how fortunate we are with Irish democracy and that we have free and fair elections here unlike other parts of the world."

Mr McGrath noted how many independent and non-party candidates were in the mix - and could be in with a chance of getting elected.

But he warned it was vital that any incoming Government have a working majority.

"I think having a significant majority will be very important for them," he said.