Last Updated: 6:41PM on Saturday, 30 November

Wicklow-Wexford First Count: Major Parties Set to Claim Seats in New Constituency

Ellen O’Riordan reports: Fine Gael’s Brian Brennan, a hotelier and first-time candidate, has emerged as the frontrunner in the newly established three-seat constituency, securing 8,820 first preference votes.

Close behind, Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne, one of two candidates representing his party, claimed 8,311 votes, putting him in a strong position. Sinn Féin’s Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, a councillor and gaelscoil teacher, follows in third with 7,719 votes.

Fianna Fáil’s second candidate, Pat Kennedy, currently sits in fourth place with 5,478 votes.

The votes of eliminated candidates—Frances Lawlor of Independent Ireland (648 votes) and independent candidate Lise-Marie Nolan (168 votes)—will now be redistributed.

Last Updated: 10:35PM on Friday, 29 November

Key Political Parties and Their Platforms

1. Fianna Fáil: Led by Micheál Martin, Fianna Fáil has campaigned on a platform emphasizing economic stability, healthcare reform, and housing development. Recent polls indicate the party holds a slight lead, with approximately 21% support.
2. Fine Gael: Under Taoiseach Simon Harris, Fine Gael focuses on economic growth, public safety, and infrastructure development. Despite a robust campaign, the party has experienced a decline in support, polling around 20%.
3. Sinn Féin: Mary Lou McDonald’s leadership has centered on addressing the housing crisis and healthcare system. However, the party has seen a decrease in momentum, with support also at approximately 20%.
4. Green Party: Led by Roderic O’Gorman, the Greens advocate for environmental sustainability and climate action. Their support remains steady at about 4%.
5. Labour Party: Under Ivana Bacik, Labour emphasizes workers’ rights and social equality, maintaining around 4% support.

Emerging Trends and Voter Sentiment

The election campaign has been marked by voter volatility and shifting allegiances. Notably, support for independent candidates has risen, reflecting public dissatisfaction with traditional party politics. Analysts suggest that this trend indicates a desire for new approaches to persistent issues such as housing affordability and healthcare access.

Housing remains a critical concern, with all major parties proposing various solutions to increase supply and control prices. The effectiveness of these proposals is a central topic of debate among the electorate.

Potential Coalition Scenarios

Given the proportional representation system and current polling data, it is unlikely that any single party will achieve an outright majority. This scenario necessitates coalition negotiations. Historically, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have formed coalitions, but both have expressed reluctance to partner with Sinn Féin. Mary Lou McDonald has criticized this stance, accusing the larger parties of political arrogance.

The Green Party and Labour have positioned themselves as potential coalition partners, each outlining specific policy conditions for their participation in government. Roderic O’Gorman has emphasized the need for substantial investment in public transport and environmental initiatives, while Ivana Bacik insists on commitments to social welfare reforms.

Election Day and Counting Process

Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with counting set to commence immediately after polls close. Due to the single transferable vote system, final results may take several days to finalize. Exit polls will provide initial insights, but official outcomes will depend on the distribution of preferences and transfer patterns.

As Ireland awaits the election results, the political landscape appears fragmented, with no clear majority in sight. The electorate’s concerns over housing, healthcare, and economic stability have shaped a complex and dynamic campaign. The forthcoming coalition negotiations will be crucial in determining the country’s direction, as parties strive to form a government capable of addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.

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