'The hard work has paid off,' Social Democrats’ Daniel Ennis elected in Dublin Central

Social Democrats candidate Daniel Ennis with party leader Holly Cairns and Gary Gannon after winning the Dublin Central by-election count at the RDS in Dublin. Picture: Justin Farrelly

Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats has won the Dublin Central by-election following a late night of counting in the RDS.

Mr Ennis won the seat, vacated by former Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe, in the early hours of Sunday morning following nine counts. He had received 19.7% of the first preference votes.

He beat Sinn Féin candidate Janice Boylan in the final count at the RDS.

Arriving at the count centre on Saturday afternoon, Mr Ennis said he was “overwhelmed”.

“I am just delighted,” he said.

“The hard work has paid off, and it is reflective of what we have been hearing on the doors. I have been hearing it in kids’ playgrounds when I am there with my kids at the weekend.” Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns described it as a “great day” for the party, describing it as an “emotional day”.

“It is a testament to the incredible work that Dan has put in, that his campaign team has put it,” she said.

Daniel Ennis from the Social Democrats will campaigning. Picture: Leah Farrell

“It was a hugely positive campaign. It was a message of hope, and of inclusion, and it really clearly resonated with voters in Dublin Central.

“We are just so immensely proud of him, of Gary [Gannon], of all of the campaign team in Dublin Central.” She also noted that it is the first time that the Social Democrats will have two TDs in one constituency.

Ms Boylan had won 17.5% of the first preference votes but was unable to take a seat in Sinn Féin party leader Mary Lou McDonald’s constituency.

However, she denied that her leadership was in peril.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his leadership of Fianna Fáil is not under threat from his Cabinet ministers, as he says the party will “reflect” on poor results in by-elections.

He said Fianna Fáil would have hoped for a better performance, but acknowledged the party is likely to come fourth in Galway West.

However, he rejected any assertion that his leadership was at risk due to the election losses.

He also batted away suggestions that he was concerned as Fianna Fáil ministers express their interest in taking over as party leader.

In the RDS, Fianna Fáil minister Darragh O’Brien said the poor results could not be “sugarcoated”.

Green Party candidate Janet Horner surprised many by lasting until the second last count, securing 11.7% of the first preference votes.

Veteran criminal Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch, who nearly secured a seat in the general election 2024, came fourth after receiving 11.3% of first preference votes and substantial transfers from independent candidate Malachy Steenson.

Despite a flurry of rumours Mr Hutch would turn up at the count centre, he did not come to the RDS on Saturday evening.

Fianna Fáil had another disastrous by-election with its candidate, John Stephens, elected after the second count.

He received just 1,120 votes, meaning Fianna Fáil did not reach the votes required to get its deposit back.

Meanwhile, counting will continue in Galway West at 9am on Sunday morning after counters decided to wrap up proceedings at Salthill Tennis Club at 9:30pm on Saturday evening.

After the fourth count, Independent Ireland candidate Noel Thomas was leading the pack with 10,497 votes. He was closely followed by Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne, with 9,907 votes.

Labour’s Helen Obgu had 5,970 votes, while Cillian Keane of Fianna Fáil had 4,259.