Social Democrats surge ahead in Dublin Central by-election as Galway West remains too close to call
Counting in Ireland’s two parliamentary by-elections enters a critical phase today as the Social Democrats surge ahead in Dublin Central while Sinn Féin and smaller parties battle for second place. With all first-preference ballots tallied in the capital, SocDem candidate Sarah Ennis leads Sinn Féin’s Lynn Boylan by a margin officials describe as “significant but not insurmountable,” according to live updates from *The Journal* .
In Galway West, the race remains too close to call, with early tallies showing Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and independent candidates locked in a tight contest. Returning officers in both constituencies confirm that transfers will decide the final outcome, with counting expected to stretch into the evening. Turnout reached 48% in some Galway precincts and 42% in Dublin Central, exceeding initial projections .
The by-elections fill vacancies left by President Catherine Connolly (Galway West) and former finance minister Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central), who resigned their Dáil seats in March after assuming their new roles. In Dublin, controversy flared when stencilled images of convicted gangster Gerry Hutch—who is not a candidate—appeared near a polling station, prompting complaints to gardaí and the city council .
The results will test the coalition government’s resilience, with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil seeking to defend seats in a climate of rising support for left-wing and independent candidates. A final declaration is not expected before midnight.
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Full tally in Dublin Central shows SocDem Ennis leading the pack ahead of SFs Boylan Were in for a long day – stay with us for updates from the two byelection counts in Dublin and Galway.
thejournal · 5 days ago
SocDems leading after full tally in Dublin Central with SF, Greens and Gerry Hutch in the hunt Were in for a long day – stay with us for updates.
thejournal · 5 days ago
SF and SocDems faring well in Dublin and a tight race so far in Galway - live byelection count updates Were in for a long day – stay with us for updates.
thejournal · 5 days ago
Wide spread of votes in both Dublin and Galway as counting under way to elect two new TDs Were in for a long day – stay with us for updates.
thejournal · 5 days ago
Ballot boxes opened as counting set to begin in two byelections - stay with us for updates Two new TDs will soon be chosen to fill the seats left vacant by President Catherine Connolly and former finance minister Paschal Donohoe.
thejournal · 5 days ago
Close to 50 turnout in parts of Galway West and Dublin Central for byelections Voters will today decide who should fill the seats left vacant by President Catherine Connolly and former finance minister Paschal Donohoe.
thejournal · 6 days ago
Dublin Bikes scheme to come to an end next year, with plans for Council to launch new service Dublin Bikes launched in 2009 but the contract for the scheme ends next September.
thejournal · 6 days ago
Number of complaints received over Gerry Hutch images stencilled on ground near polling station The Dublin City Returning Officer has already informed An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council of this matter.
thejournal · 6 days ago
Turnout hits the 20 mark in Galway West and Dublin Central byelections Voters will today decide who should fill the seats left vacant by President Catherine Connolly and former finance minister Paschal Donohoe.
thejournal · 6 days ago
![Venice is beautiful, but inside there is a struggle: Bangladeshi candidates eye historic breakthrough Six Bangladeshi-Italian candidates stand for Venices council as community faces far-right hostility – while voters demand an end to overtourism and neglectRhitu Miah, one of six candidates from the Bangladeshi-Italian community standing in Venices local election, is used to brushing off racist or sexist comments. But she was taken aback by the virulence of the negative comments online when she announced she would run for the council – potentially making her one of the first people of Bangladeshi origin ever elected in the lagoon citys administration.There were hateful messages – one person told me to get on a camel and go back to my own country, says Miah, an Italian citizen who moved to Venice with her family at aged three through her fathers job at the Fincantieri shipyard, a huge importer of labour from Bangladesh. I tried to let it be and reply with a smile … but it was difficult not to cry. This is also a reason why Im running [to combat these prejudices]. Continue reading...](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/664694df23d7f296351950fc03be111a0db2444e/140_252_1183_946/master/1183.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=16245284ca4296d1c000c6401434895e)
Venice is beautiful, but inside there is a struggle: Bangladeshi candidates eye historic breakthrough Six Bangladeshi-Italian candidates stand for Venices council as community faces far-right hostility – while voters demand an end to overtourism and neglectRhitu Miah, one of six candidates from the Bangladeshi-Italian community standing in Venices local election, is used to brushing off racist or sexist comments. But she was taken aback by the virulence of the negative comments online when she announced she would run for the council – potentially making her one of the first people of Bangladeshi origin ever elected in the lagoon citys administration.There were hateful messages – one person told me to get on a camel and go back to my own country, says Miah, an Italian citizen who moved to Venice with her family at aged three through her fathers job at the Fincantieri shipyard, a huge importer of labour from Bangladesh. I tried to let it be and reply with a smile … but it was difficult not to cry. This is also a reason why Im running [to combat these prejudices]. Continue reading...
theguardian · 6 days ago