The leader of Sinn Fein said she is "sorry" that her candidates did not perform better in Ireland's local elections, amid criticism of the party's strategy in the council races.Mary Lou McDonald made the comments as vote counting continues for Ireland's local and European elections.She said she was "disappointed" that more of her candidates were not elected.Early indications show there will be no Sinn Fein surge, while Government parties do not appear to have suffered a major electoral blow.

The leader of Sinn Fein said she is "sorry" that her candidates did not perform better in Ireland's local elections, amid criticism of the party's strategy in the council races.Mary Lou McDonald made the comments as vote counting continues for Ireland's local and European elections.She said she was "disappointed" that more of her candidates were not elected.Early indications show there will be no Sinn Fein surge, while Government parties do not appear to have suffered a major electoral blow.