Joan Burton has denied that outgoing Longford Westmeath Labour TD Willie Penrose is reluctant to fight to win his Dáil seat.

The Labour Party leader was speaking at the count centre in Kenagh, where a result of a recount is still awaited.

It's believed if Fine Gael's James Bannon is eliminated when that result is announced, his transfers will elect Labour's Willie Penrose; however Sinn Féin's Paul Hogan is still in the race.

Willie Penrose all but conceded defeat at the weekend and said he was looking forward to a return to his private life.

Speaking to Shannonside radio tonight, the Tánaiste Joan Burton denied Labour was putting pressure on him to retain the seat to protect the parties speaking rights in the Dáil.

"The events here, they are very stressful, for all of the people here.

"Willie is somebody who is incredibly dignified under pressure, he's a democrat, he's someone who is very measured in his commentary.

"I'm hoping it works out."