By-election polls open in Dublin and Galway as parties vie for seats

The Dublin Central and Galway West by-elections could have lasting impacts on Irish politics.

Voters go to the polls on Friday in two by-elections that could have lasting impacts on Irish politics.

Polling stations open at 7am in Dublin Central and Galway West, with neither race expected to be clear cut.

In Dublin Central, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald is hoping her former running mate and local councillor Janice Boylan will take a seat in the constituency. 

Ms McDonald insists there is no extra pressure to win in her home constituency, as Ms Boylan faces a challenge from a number of candidates, including Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Fine Gael's Ray McAdam. 

As with 2024's general election, many eyes in the constituency will be on the gangland crime figure, Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is seeking to take the seat.

The Dubliner, aged in his 60s, has been described in court by a judge as the figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation, but came close to winning a seat in 2024 and is expecting to poll well again this time around. 

The Dublin Central race is being held to fill the seat vacated by former Fine Gael TD and finance minister Paschal Donohoe, who left Irish politics in November to work at the World Bank.

In Galway West, the race to fill the seat vacated by the election of President Catherine Connolly has seen Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne and Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas lead in the only published opinion poll, but internal party polling has suggested that Sinn Féin candidate Mark Lohan, Labour councillor Helen Ogbu, and independent Mike Cubbard will all be competitive.

While Fianna Fáil is not expected to win either seat, its Dublin Central director of elections, Darragh O'Brien, has dismissed the idea that poor results will pile pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin's leadership.