Attention turns to Dublin Central by-election as Paschal Donohoe steps down
Labour's Marie Sherlock is congratulated by Independent candidate Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch at the RDS Simmonscourt count centre after she won the final seat in Dublin Central in the 2024 general election. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA
The ink on Paschal Donohoe’s resignation letter is barely dry, but attention is turning to the by-election in Dublin Central to replace him.
The constituency, encompassing the heart of north inner-city Dublin, was one of the most exciting in the 2024 general election.
For a significant part of the election weekend, veteran criminal Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch looked likely to win a seat.
In the end, following chaotic scenes at the RDS count centre, Labour’s Marie Sherlock defeated Mr Hutch.
However, The Monk did not rule out contesting another election that day, leading many to speculate that he could end up contesting the by-election.
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Fine Gael is expected to run Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, a long-term ally of Mr Donohoe and a councillor for the party in the north inner city.
Dublin Central is also Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s constituency. However, in the 2024 election, her running mate, Janice Boylan, received just 3.8% of the first preference votes and was eliminated on the second count. Seámus McGrattan also represents Dublin Central on Dublin City Council.
Labour does not have any councillors in the area, with question marks over who the party may run.
One Labour TD argued it could be a good opportunity to run a unity left candidate.
Other names suggested include party chair Lisa Connell and general secretary Billie Sparks, both of whom live in the constituency.
Fianna Fáil senator Mary Fitzpatrick has unsuccessfully contested five elections in Dublin Central but could be run by the party for a sixth time.
The Social Democrats have two councillors in the area, including Cat O’Driscoll and Daniel Ennis.
Mr Ennis works in the office of Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon, leading many to believe that he may end up contesting the election.
The Green Party ran former TD Neasa Hourigan in the general election.
However, she told the she will not be throwing her hat in the ring. The party is expected to run one of two councillors in the area, Janet Horner and Feljin Jose.
Former MEP Clare Daly also contested the general election last year, with sources familiar with the constituency suggesting that either Ms Daly or independent councillor Cieran Perry will contest the election.
Independent councillor Malachy Steenson also unsuccessfully contested last November’s general election.
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