Sean Kyne and Daniel Ennis take seats in Dáil after by-election victories

Fine Gael and Social Democrats celebrate by-election wins as the Dáil returns to its full 174-member complement

Newly elected TD Daniel Ennis (centre) is greeted by party colleagues Senator Patricia Stephenson (left), deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan, party leader Holly Cairns TD and Gary Gannon TD (right), outside Leinster House in Dublin following the by-election in Dublin central. Picture: Bairbre Holmes/PA Wire

The Dáil returned to its full complement of 174 TDs on Tuesday as Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne and the Social Democrats’ Daniel Ennis took their seats following victories in last weekend’s by-elections.

Mr Kyne and Mr Ennis took their seats representing Galway West and Dublin Central respectively, after the constituencies were vacated in November by Catherine Connolly and Paschal Donohoe.

Both men signed the register in Leinster House ahead of the new Dáil week beginning on Tuesday afternoon.

On his way into Leinster House, Mr Ennis said he was “delighted” to represent Dublin Central.

“As I said in the count centre, 12:30 at night, I just want to hug all [who voted for me], every single one of them,” he said.

“Their reception first of all on the doors, their positive reaction to our positive style of politics, a politics of decency and hope, won out there in Dublin Central.

“We were speaking with people on the doors, meeting them where they were, listening to them, listening to their concerns, whether we agreed or not, on different pieces, we came away shaking hands again.”

Mr Ennis, a former footballer, said the Republic of Ireland should not play Israel in October at the Aviva Stadium, arguing that the “FAI should be taking a stand”. He also called on fans to boycott the game.

Fine Gael's Sean Kyne (centre left) and Tanaiste Simon Harris (centre right) with senators at Leinster House, Dublin. Ireland's newest TDs arrived for work in Leinster House on Tuesday, after closely watched by-elections in Dublin Central and Galway West. Picture: Bairbre Holmes/PA Wire

Meanwhile, Mr Kyne described the by-election as a “gruelling campaign” and thanked Fine Gael members for their “trojan work”.

Fine Gael members heckled journalists when the new TD was asked whether, after announcing his retirement 18 months ago, “his heart was in it” or if he was “only there for the good times”.

“I've kept my constituency office open since 2020 when I lost my seat,” Mr Kyne argued.

“I provided a service, never closed it, provided a service in the constituency for anyone that came to me. Did the best I could.

“Losing your seat is difficult. Try it sometime. It's not easy. It's difficult. Failing to get it back is difficult as well. But I had an opportunity with this by-election. I grasped it.”

As the pair took their seats in the Dáil for the first time, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy welcomed them on what she described as a “very, very special day for them, for their families, and for their supporters”.