By-election results - Electorate votes to snub politics

In the last 30 years, governments have rarely won any by-election, so Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats are resorting to that to explain their defeats in the Meath and Kildare North by-elections.

Fianna Fáil should be particularly disappointed with its performance in Co Meath, after putting in a huge campaign effort there.

Although Fine Gael only retained John Bruton’s old seat, this was a distinct boost for Enda Kenny. In political terms he has not put a foot wrong, notwithstanding his party’s rather weak showing in the public opinion pools.