Donnelly edges out Coppinger in Dublin West as SF sees support surge

Sinn Féin has emerged as the surprise poll-topper in the Dublin West bye-election with its candidate Paul Donnelly edging out the pre-election favourite, Socialist Party councillor Ruth Coppinger after the first count result.

Donnelly enjoyed the surge in support for Sinn Féin echoed in votes around the country with an impressive 6,056 votes followed by Coppinger on 5,977.