Fine Gael's Séan Kyne elected in Galway West

Fine Gael candidate Sean Kyne celebrates with Peter Burke and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris after winning the Galway West by-election at the count at Galway Lawn Tennis Club. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne has won the Galway West by-election.

Mr Kyne took the seat, which was left vacant after Catherine Connolly was elected President, on the 11th count with a final total of 19,218 votes. 

He received 20.1% of the first-preference vote, coming in second at the first count.

Mr Kyne beat Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas, who topped the poll on 20.9%, and who received a final total of 16,519 votes.

Mr Thomas was unable to retain his lead, with a significant transfer of votes from Labour’s Helen Ogbu putting Mr Kyne over the line.

Galway West by-election winner Sean Kyne arriving with Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Speaking alongside Tánaiste Simon Harris as he arrived at the count centre, Mr Kyne said he was “heartened” by the vote he received.

The win means Fine Gael now holds two seats in the constituency, with Mr Kyne set to join his colleague, Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton, in the Dáil.

It is also the first time a Government party candidate has won a by-election in over a decade, with the last time being in 2011.