Overview
- Daniel Ennis was declared elected in Dublin Central following the weekend count, giving the Social Democrats 12 sitting TDs and a second seat in the four-seat constituency.
- In Galway West Independent Noel Thomas led on first preferences with 10,007 votes and extended his lead by the seventh count, but the final result still depends on how transfers from eliminated candidates flow.
- Voters cast ballots on Friday to fill seats vacated by Catherine Connolly in Galway West and Paschal Donohoe in Dublin Central, and turnout was 39% in Dublin Central and 44% in Galway West.
- Parties are reassessing strategy after mixed performances, with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin reporting disappointing showings and the Social Democrats arguing their transfer-friendly appeal strengthens opposition positioning.
- Under Ireland’s single-transferable-vote system successive counts move lower‑ranked preferences to remaining candidates, so the crucial next steps are which way Labour and Fianna Fáil transfers break and whether they push Seán Kyne past Noel Thomas.