The first count gets underway at the Mount Errigal Hotel.

Sean Ruddy, Carn, acts as tallyman for Sinn Fein's Padraig MacLochlainn.

Moville's Cllr. Marian McDonald looks worried as she counts Cecilia Keaveney's transfers.

Out but not down...Labour Party candidate Siobhan McLaughlin at the count.

Independent candidate Ian McGarvey, 70, is philosophical about his defeat.

A delighted Fine Gael Councillor, Peter McLaughlin, Buncrana, relates the news about Joe McHugh's victory.

Joe McHugh director of elections Pat McArt celebrates with McHugh and constituency chairperson, Doreen Sherridan.

Donegal hacks, C.J. McGinley, 'Donegal News', left, and Liam Porter, 'Inishowen Independent' discuss the unfolding events at the count centre.

Fine Gael's newly elected T.D., Deputy Joe McHugh thanks Inishowen Cllr. Bernard McGuinness for his part in the victory.

Defeated Sinn Fein contender, Cllr. Padraig MacLochlainn vows to continue working for the people of Inishowen.