After some politicomathematical nerdery with stephencass, it turns out that Higgins was not handed his political victory by SF's intervention. He wins in the 4th count after trailing for some time due to (your friend and mine) transfers.

He would however, owe his victory to SF, if that 55% of voters who switched from SG in the last week or so was closer to 80% (according to the RTE recall poll).

Absolutely fascinating for political junkies like me:

http://webpages.dcu.ie/~omalle/Politics%20with%20Hidden%20bases.pdf

TL;DR - Irish politics is explained better by events in the 12th century than anything since. Who knew?

1. Capricho árabe, for Guitar: Julian Bream
2. Down By The Sally Gardens (Live): Clannad
3. MLK: U2
4. Evening Falls...: Enya
5. Lady Marian: Clannad
6. The Man With The Child In His Eyes: Kate Bush
7. Le Mystére Des Voix Bulgares (Polegnala E Todora): Jésus De Montréal Soundtrack
8. Promenade Sentimentale: Diva Soundtrack
9. Cavatina (Meyers): Norbert Kraft
10. Recuerdos De La Alhambra (Tarrega): Norbert Kraft
11. Stabat Mater (Giovanni Battista Pergolese): Jésus De Montréal Soundtrack
12. Bookends Theme: Simon & Garfunkel
13. Ironbound/Fancy Poultry: Suzanne Vega
14. Rampart Theme: Heroes of Might and Magic III Soundtrack
15. Captain of her heart: Double
16. Gypsy: Suzanne Vega
17. Fade into you: Mazzy Star
18. Lions: Dire Straits