Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has finally won a by-election at the seventh time of asking in a badly needed victory that has relieved pressure on his leadership position.

“I’m not really sure where he’s canvassing, but he’s certainly not canvassing in Carlow-Kilkenny if that’s the response. Water is definitely coming up, and it’s crazy for him to say it isn’t,” said Sinn Féin candidate Kathleen Funchion yesterday.

Renua Ireland’s first attempt at winning a Dáil seat has already been hit by controversy, after it was claimed the party’s newest candidate considered joining Sinn Féin just weeks ago.

Sinn Féin delegates lined up to attack the Coalition and claimed there had been no political reform as promised and cronyism was alive and kicking.