The 2024 local elections in Ireland have concluded with varied outcomes across the country. Independent candidates have made significant gains, with Thomas Welby securing a seat on Galway County Council and Declan Meehan leading in the Milford Local Electoral Area. Fianna Fáil’s Andrew McGuinness is poised to top the poll in Kilkenny City, while his uncle, independent councillor Eugene McGuinness, is likely to follow in second place. Fine Gael has shown strength in several areas, including a potential re-election for Mark Duffy in Ballina and Sharon Tolan in Laytown-Bettystown among others.Sinn Féin, however, has not seen the surge in votes it anticipated, with reports of a challenging election and some candidates polling at lower percentages. The party’s projection to be part of the next government has been described as ‘shattered’ by public expenditure minister Paschal Donohoe. In Limerick, the mayoral race is led by Independent John Moran, with votes for this position to be counted on Monday. Overall, the election results indicate a diverse political landscape in Ireland, with no single party dominating the local government scene.
Key points
- Independent candidates like Thomas Welby and Declan Meehan have secured seats in the 2024 local elections in Ireland.
- Fianna Fáil’s Andrew McGuinness is likely to top the poll in Kilkenny City, with Fine Gael also showing strength in several areas.
- Sinn Féin has faced a challenging election, with expectations for a surge in votes not materializing.
- The mayoral race in Limerick sees Independent John Moran as the frontrunner, with the count to resume on Monday.
