Irish PM`s majority down to 2 with election loss

Dublin: Irish election officials say a politician committed to voting against Ireland`s austerity plans has won a special election, cutting Prime Minister Brian Cowen`s parliamentary majority to just two seats.
Sinn Fein candidate Pearse Doherty won an overwhelming 40 percent of votes in Donegal, northwest Ireland, according to election officials. The final result from the six-candidate race is being announced later Friday.
Cowen faces a struggle to win votes on raising taxes and cutting spending after the 2011 budget is unveiled in parliament Dec. 7.

PTI