Fine Gael 'buoyed' with by-election poll, Sinn Féin 'not out of the race'

Tánaiste Simon Harris described the results as pointing to a 'very competitive by‑election'

Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne is out on front on 17%. Picture: Sam Boal

Fine Gael has been buoyed by a narrow lead in the Galway West by‑election, as Sinn Féin insists it is not out of the race.

The poll for Galway West, carried out by Ipsos B&A for the Irish Times/TG4, has put Fine Gael out in front with Seán Kyne on 17%, while Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas is second on 16%.