Daniel Ennis wins Dublin Central seat as Social Democrats make history
The Social Democrats now hold two seats in one constituency for the first time ever - as Daniel Ennis said he was "overwhelmed" to win the Dublin Central by-election.Applauses erupted in the RDS Simmoncourt last night as Mr Ennis beat Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan. The emotional politician said it's "mad" that he is now a TD just two years after he was first elected onto Dublin City Council.He joins his party mate Gary Gannon, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Labour's Marie Sherlock. In Galway West, it's a two horse race between Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas and Fine Gael's Seán Kyne, with counting expected to be finished tomorrow.The elections were called after two seats were left vacant in the constituencies when Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe left in November to join the World Bank while Independent Catherine Connolly became Uachtarán na hÉireann. Mr Ennis will be celebrating his win with his fianceé Chloe and his two young children, as he said they've gotten him through the past six months of campaigning.He said: "The hard work has paid off, it's reflected what we've been hearing on the doors, what I've been hearing in kids' playgrounds when I'm there with my kids on the weekends." Asked why he believes he won, the newly-elected TD said: "It was just listening to people, meeting them where they were, whether they agree with you or not, we believe in politics of decency, politics of hope and inclusion, and people wanted that on the doors, they wanted that positive approach, they want the change, but they want the positive change."Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said it was "an emotional day" for her party, adding: "I mean, to say it's a great day for the party is an understatement. It's a testament to the incredible work that Dan has put in, and that his campaign team has put in."When I stepped into the role of leader of this party, I said I was unashamedly ambitious about the future of this party, and to see that more and more voters, when they're looking for an alternative, are looking to the Social Democrats is just amazing to see, we're absolutely delighted." Mr Gannon said he isn't concerned that his seat could now be trouble in the next general election, adding: "I want to build a big brilliant party, and Social Democrats are doing that, and we need to find big brilliant people, and in Daniel, we have one of those."We are building something special here, a genuine alternative that is ready to govern, and that's who we're going to be in." While the election was all but called for Mr Ennis early on in the day, Sinn Féin's candidate Janice Boylan maintained it was "a great election" for the party.Asked about the party's performance, she said Sinn Fein was "building politically" and said the trajectory of Irish politics over the past 10 years was one of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael's decline and the "growth of politics beyond that". Despite losing in her own constituency, Ms McDonald said there was "no question on the leadership", adding: "I feel under no pressure whatsoever, pressure is for tyres."If you're going to lead the opposition of the project of constructing a government beyond Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, a historic project, if you're going to lead a party, a national movement and a national organisation like Sinn Fein, you don't give way to pressure. You have to have the fortitude, the stamina, the resilience and the concentration span to see this through." Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there is "no question" that Fianna Fáil received a "poor result" for Dublin Central.The party's candidate John Stephens received just 4% of first preferences and was eliminated after the second count, meaning the party lost its deposit. The Taoiseach said the party had difficulties in particular in the Dublin constituency.He said the party will "examine" and "reflect" on the by-election results, adding: "We would have preferred a higher percentage outcome. We'll reflect on this election as well, we'll do our homework and we always want to do better, and that's our focus."Mr Stephens said he doesn't believe the party's former leader Bertie Ahern's anti-immigration comments hindered his campaign. Earlier this month Mr Ahern was embroiled in controversy after a video, which he didn't know was being recorded, was circulated on social media while out canvassing with Mr Stephens.The former Taoiseach can be heard telling a woman in the clip that he has concerns that "too many" immigrants are coming into Ireland and the country "can't be taking people in from the Congo". Asked if this harmed his campaign, the Fianna Fáil candidate said: "No, no. My team were very good, the people I met on the doors. I'm here for the long haul, and I know I know what it will take."Veteran criminal Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch was coming in third place in opinion polls on first preference votes, but this spot was taken yesterday by Green Party candidate Janet Horner. The councillor said it is an exciting time for the party and shows that there is interest in green policies, with her eyes set on the next general election. Throughout her campaign, the Green Party candidate often called out Hutch for various statements he made on social media, mostly relating to immigration.After he called for immigrants in Ireland to be interned, Ms Horner slammed him for following "the Donald Trump playbook". Speaking in the RDS, the by-election candidate said she has been frustrated since the 2024 General Election - which Hutch also ran in - of the "divisive idea" of what Dublin Central is.She added: "For the most part I tried really hard not to let him set the tone for what we were talking to people about and I think that is what we tried to do for the most part. But the electorate need to hear from time to time that there is a strong and firm rejection against divisiveness in politics that comes from other candidates so when necessary we stepped up, I stepped up, as a party we did, and firmly rejected the politics that has been offered by people capitalising on reasonable and rational frustrations that so many people have."Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
