By-election: The talk about Gerry Hutch will subside. At least until the next election

The real question in the weeks leading up to Friday’s by-election was what impact would Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch's renewed campaigning have?

Gerry Hutch. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

As he rocked up to the RDS in Dublin, surrounded by media, flashing lights, and intrigue, Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch stared straight ahead as he was quizzed on his electoral priorities.

It was two days after the 2024 general election and, after hours of wondering if the veteran criminal would come to the count, here he was in the flesh, within touching distance of winning a Dáil seat in Dublin Central.