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She had even taken a holiday during the campaign.
Ballybrittas woman Patricia Ryan is certain to become a TD in the Kildare South constituency this afternoon.
Despite taking holidays during the election campaign, the Sinn Fein candidate leads the field on 22%, comfortably ahead of outgoing Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon.
With just over half of boxes tallied, the final seat will be a battle between Labour councillor Mark Wall on 15% and Fianna Fail TD Fiona O'Loughlin, whose 11% first preference vote will be bolstered by her running mate Suzanne Doyle.
Portarlington's Cathal Berry polls over 9% but is unlikely to take a seat.
The ceann comhairle Sean O'Fearghail is automatically re-elected for Fianna Fail.