Story perspectives

Transfers Propel Social Democrats, Fine Gael to By-Election Wins

5/25/2026

Center

Opposition Wins

Voter transfers propelled the Social Democrats and Fine Gael to win both Irish by-elections, defying the usual governing-party penalty.
Daniel Ennis of Social Democrats and Seán Kyne of Fine Gael were elected TDs in Dublin Central and Galway West.
Sinn Féin’s candidates fell short in contests, prompting Mary Lou McDonald to call it ‘not our day’.
John Stephens lost his deposit with 4.2% first-preference votes as Dublin Central turnout hit 43.5%.

Left

Fine Gael Wins

Independent Gerry “The Monk” Hutch dominated headlines yet lost, with many voters naming Sinn Féin’s Janice Boylan as their second choice.
Fine Gael secured the Dublin Central by-election, marking the first governing-party victory in a by-election since 2014.
Green Party candidate Janet Horner finished third on the count, boosting the party’s general-election optimism.
Theresa Reidy warned Janice Boylan faces a transfer shortfall, risking a setback for Mary Lou McDonald.

History

Historical Context

Paschal Donohoe’s resignation in November 2025 triggered the Dublin Central by-election on 22 May 2026, which Social Democrat Daniel Ennis won, giving his party two TDs in the same constituency for the first time. The result coincided with Fianna Fáil’s worst by-election showing, underscoring the historic difficulty governing parties face in Irish by-elections.

1 of 3

Opposition Wins

Voter transfers propelled the Social Democrats and Fine Gael to win both Irish by-elections, defying the usual governing-party penalty.
Daniel Ennis of Social Democrats and Seán Kyne of Fine Gael were elected TDs in Dublin Central and Galway West.
Sinn Féin’s candidates fell short in contests, prompting Mary Lou McDonald to call it ‘not our day’.
John Stephens lost his deposit with 4.2% first-preference votes as Dublin Central turnout hit 43.5%.

1 / 3