Local elections 2024: County-by-county breakdown – mixed fortunes for parties and political dynasties

KERRY

TD Michael Healy-Rae said the “next election has already begun” following a superb vote for the family in Kerry. His son Jackie Healy-Rae – named after his late grandfather – topped the poll and was elected in Castleisland.

Topping the poll in Killarney after the results of the first count was Maura Healy-Rae, the daughter of TD Danny Healy-Rae. Her brother, Johnny Healy-Rae, topped the poll in Kenmare.

“We take our job in politics very seriously. With every vote you get comes responsibility as you must keep and earn the trust of that person,” he said.

“What that vote tells me is that the young Healy-Raes are working and are diligent and committed. They are what I call real politicians,” said Michael Healy-Rae.

LAOIS

He tried to entice voters by releasing his own rap – but many appeared to switch off from Green Party candidate Charlie Hackett’s message.

The 20-year-old son of Junior Agriculture Minister Pippa Hackett looked set to be eliminated in the Graiguecullen/Portarlington district.

Laois was among the last counties to declare a first count, with many candidates enduring an anxious wait yesterday. However, it looked to be a tough election for first-time candidate Charlie.

Meanwhile, a new Fianna Fáil candidate Naeem Iqbal, who ran as an Independent candidate in 2019, polled very strongly in the Portlaoise constituency, according to early tallies while Fine Gael’s Thomasina Cullen, also in Portlaoise, appeared to be struggling.

CARLOW

Fine Gael’s youngest candidate in the country was elected to the Tullow LEA on the 12th count. His parents, who were clearly emotional, watched on as it was announced that Ben Ward, aged 21, had met the quota of 1,114 with 1,177 votes.

Elsewhere, a father was joined by his daughter on the ballot paper for the same electoral area, and the same party.

“I’m very proud of Áine and all that she has achieved and it has been a great experience running alongside her for the same party and same LEA,” said sitting Sinn Féin Cllr Andy Gladney. However, while father was elected, daughter was eliminated in the Muinebheag LEA yesterday.

LEITRIM

Two of the big takeaways in Leitrim were that Sinn Féin has gone from two to four councillors and Fine Gael has dropped three seats, while the Independents gained a seat to move to a total of five.

Poll topper Paddy O’Rourke in the Ballinamore district embodied the old adage of “if at first you don’t succeed, try again”. The Fianna Fáil representative referenced his first outing 33 years ago in 1991, when he lost an election by 26 votes.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Bohan reflected how she has enjoyed every minute of her 45 years in local politics.

The Manorhamilton councillor said: “I really like the work and I would not have gone for election if I did not have the enthusiasm and energy to do the job.”

KILKENNY

Senior camogie manager Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has been a Fianna Fáil councillor for Callan-Thomastown for the last 10 years, but admitted the nerves were still jangling in the run-up to the vote.

“It’s a great job but it’s been really nerve-racking for the last couple of weeks. It’s great when you see the support coming through, it’s very humbling and it gives you a great confidence in the work you’re doing,” he said.

He had to rush back to the count centre from a senior camogie match where Kilkenny drew against Waterford. “When the match was over then the phone came back on… To hopefully come out on the right side shortly is great,” he said, before he was confirmed as elected.

WEXFORD

Labour’s George Lawlor said it had been a “20-year campaign” as he topped the poll in the Wexford Borough District with 2,361 first-preference votes.

The Labour councillor – ­elected to the council for the fifth consecutive term – said: “People talk about a four-week campaign but for me this has been a 20-year campaign really.

“It’s been about constant work, hard work with groups, residents’ associations, individuals, to deliver tangible projects that will benefit the community.”

In the Rosslare LEA Aontú councillor Jim Codd performed remarkably well in the first count.

Paying tribute to his late father, he said: “My father passed away lately and I feel I inherited my politics and beliefs from my late father and my mother. He would be very happy today.”

WATERFORD

First-time Fine Gael candidate Niamh O’Donovan had an interesting run-in to the local elections, having encountered a hungry goat on the canvass.

“I had a good campaign, but a goat bit me in Ballyduff,” she said. “I could feel the horns and the next thing I got a bite in the rear end. The two lads out with me were just laughing – they thought it was hilarious. I was like, ‘I need to go to A&E’.”

She said it was a busy year “learning as much as I can, as quick as I can, but thankfully it all paid off”.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has a new councillor following the election of Donnchadh Mulcahy (33), another “newbie” in the Lismore LEA.

SLIGO

It’s 50 not out for veteran Independent socialist councillor Declan Bree who topped the poll with an increased vote in Sligo/Strandhill LEA.

Bree, first elected in 1974 to the county council, is a former Labour Party TD from 1992-1997 but has spent the vast majority of his political career as an Independent.

“It’s a humbling experience to be re-elected and topping the poll once again and I’d certainly like to thank all those who voted for me, my election team, my campaign manager Pat Fallon and director of elections, Brenda Barr. Brenda has campaigned with me in every local election since 1974. She has been by my side for those 50 years and it’s a privilege to have her there,” he said.

He also thanked his wife Margaret, adding that politicians’ families often “sacrifice so much” for them.

MAYO

History was made in Claremorris with the first female councillor elected, Fine Gael’s Alma Gallagher.

“The Claremorris electoral glass ceiling has finally been shattered and I’m honoured that so many men and women saw fit to vote for me to represent them,” Ms Gallagher said.

“It has taken over 100 years of local elections to have a woman elected here. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but I know the responsibility that comes with this immense privilege.”

Aontú also elected its first councillor in Mayo, with Paul Lawless taking the fifth seat in the six seat Claremorris area.

But there was late drama as a full recount was ordered in the Swinford Local Electoral Area.

Just one vote separated candidates John Sheahan (SF) – who was on 1,636 and Neal Cruise(FG) on 1,637 – for the last seat.

The Swinford LEA recount will begin this morning, as will the one for Ballina.

DONEGAL

The 100pc Redress Party performed strongly, and may pick up three seats in Donegal.

There were emotional scenes among supporters of the party which was formed to campaign for redress for families affected by defective building materials.

They topped the poll in Carndonagh, with newcomer Ali Farren elected in the first count.

Joy Beard, one of the 100pc Redress Party’s prominent candidates, was elected in Buncrana.

Meanwhile, there was surprise as sitting councillor John O’Donnell lost out in the Milford LEA.

Another notable moment came from Independent Martin Scanlon’s strong performance in the hotly contested Lifford/Stranorlar area.

MONAGHAN

Counting was fast-paced in Monaghan compared to some other areas, with 13 of the 18 seats for the county filled by teatime yesterday.

Sinn Féin and Fine Gael were hoping to be the main winners at the end.

Fianna Fáil will be disappointed with its showing in north Monaghan, where it increased its first-preference votes by 6pc (almost 700), yet ended up with just one councillor from its three candidates.

Sinn Féin was hoping to increase its overall tally of seats on the council from six to eight.

First-time candidate for Fine Gael, Pauric Clerkin, who works for Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, was one of three councillors elected without reaching the quota after Sinn Féin’s Seán Conlon had been re-elected.

DUBLIN CITY

Sinn Féin had a tough weekend, with leader Mary Lou McDonald admitting she was ­“obviously disappointed” more of the party’s candidates were not successful.

Speaking at the RDS, she acknowledged “it hasn’t been our day” as it appears Independents and others have benefited from anti-government sentiment.

Cllr Daithí Doolan said he was “delighted to top the poll” in Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, but he acknowledged the party may have to “live and learn” if it turns out it ran too many candidates.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste, of Fianna Fáil, lost his seat to former Olympic boxer Philip Sutcliffe on the 10th count.

DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN

Loud cheers were heard as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown elected its first newcomer and seventh Fine Gael candidate, Pierce Dargan, who is also one of the youngest candidates.

He was elected in Glencullen-Sandyford, alongside incumbent ­councillor Oisín O’Connor, who was the first Green Party candidate to win a seat locally.

Fine Gael’s Marie Baker was elected for the fifth term and received almost two quotas in Blackrock – 3,045 votes.

“It absolutely flabbergasted me that I got that many [votes], it’s my fifth election, it’s 1,000 more votes than I got five years ago so I must be getting in the right direction.”

Fine Gael has done well in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as most of its councillors look set to keep their seats.

SOUTH DUBLIN

A father-and-son pairing were both elected in one of the biggest stories coming out of south Dublin.

Three-time councillor Baby Pereppadan, originally from India, was elected again in Tallaght South and his son Britto was elected for the first time in Tallaght Central.

Britto (24), who is in his second year as a doctor at Tallaght University Hospital, said: “My biggest inspiration in politics is my dad.

“He moved to this country and decided to serve people.”

Sitting Independent councillor Francis Timmons was elected in the first count for Clondalkin.

He said: “It’s the best news for Pride month. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I pride myself in being a voice for everyone.”

FINGAL

In a surprising turn of events, the current mayor of Fingal, Fianna Fáil’s Adrian Henchy, was eliminated yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Labour councillor Robert O’Donoghue’s successful election as the first councillor in Rush-Lusk signalled early momentum for the party in the area.

Another win for Labour came later on, in the third count, with Corina Johnston winning a seat representing Rush-Lusk.

Based on the candidates elected and performing strongly in Fingal last night, it appears that Labour and Fine Gael are performing the best in this constituency, followed by a strong performance by Independent candidates.

GALWAY CITY

Helen Ogbu has made history after becoming the first African woman ever to be elected to Galway City Council. Ms Ogbu (51) suffered racist abuse during her campaign, but now feels a message has been sent by voters that migrants are welcome here.

“The people of Galway spoke. It’s the City of Tribes and I interpret that differently because it’s the most diverse city in Ireland,” Ms Ogbu said yesterday.

Last night, Fine Gael had secured seats, while Fianna Fáil should also hold and there are likely to be gains for Labour the Social Democrats.

GALWAY COUNTY

In Tuam, Mary Hoade was elected for the sixth time in a row – the Fianna Fáil member has been a councillor since 1999.

This time she was elected on the tenth count with 1,933 votes.

She said: “It’s an honour to be consistently re-elected on every occasion, and I just want to take this opportunity to thank my canvass team, the electors and everybody who has worked in the campaign up to now.

When asked why residents keep voting for her after all these years, she said: “They know I’m a hard worker, I work hard to represent the constituency, I can be relied on and I’m always accessible and available.”

CAVAN

Áine Smith, who took her father’s spot as a Fianna Fáil councillor for one year and three months following his death, was deemed elected for Cavan-Belturbet.

“I’ve only been a councillor for a year and three months, so I knew at that time that I had to put my foot down and show what and why people should vote for me,” she said.

“I’m very lucky to be coming from a good name of my father, Sean Smith, who was a councillor for 44 years. The work he did definitely did not go unnoticed.”

Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth praised Ms Smith ahead of the count.

“Congratulations to Áine Smith and her family. It must be an emotional day because for the last four decades it was her dad collecting votes,” she said.

WICKLOW

It was five-in-a-row for Tom Fortune. After being elected for the fifth successive term on the fifth count in the Greystones LEA, Independent councillor Fortune said his love for helping people kept him coming back for more.

“At the start, my family were saying, ‘do you really need this?’ but the fact is I do. The simple fact is I love helping people and it gives me great satisfaction, and at this stage in my life it’s something that is very important to me,” he said.

Earlier, there were jubilant scenes when popular local activist Danny Alvey from Newtownmountkennedy became the first new candidate to win a Wicklow County Council seat.

WESTMEATH

Former government minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran made a return to local politics, easily securing his spot on the council with among some of the highest percentage of first-preference votes in the country.

“We’re back, we’re back,” Mr Moran said he was lifted into the air in celebration by supporters after what was seen as a landslide win. When I lost my seat a number of years ago, it was a big blow and a big hurt, put I have put it behind me,” he said.

“One thing I heard while canvassing was people telling me, ‘Boxer, I hope this is your step forward and we’ll get you back into the Dáil’. That’s the plan but we take nothing for granted.”

The Green Party seem to be faring badly and could be contending with the possibility of losing the two seats they gained in 2019.

TIPPERARY

Poll-topper Independent John O’Heney’s win in Tipperary Cashel LEA was notable. The former Fine Gael candidate is well known in Tipperary town and worked hard to gain 2,534 first preferences on the first count. It has also been a good election for Michael Lowry’s team of independent candidates, including his own son Michéal, who was elected to Thurles LEA with 2,184 first preference votes.

In Roscrea-Templemore, councillor Shane Lee retained his seat and acknowledged the immigration debate had been a major local issue.

“People have been speaking about it, not just in Roscrea, but right across the district,” Mr Lee said.

ROSCOMMON

Independent candidate Valerie Byrne was re-elected in Boyle, having first got a seat 22 years ago.

She feels there should be more participation of women in politics in order to have proper representation of women.

The first count declared in the Roscommon LEA at lunchtime yesterday saw two Fianna Fáil candidates retaining their seats

Outgoing councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice topped the poll with 1,853 votes. Another outgoing councillor Marty McDermott (FF) was elected with 1,626 votes.

Roscommon will have two new faces this time as both Orla Leyden (FF) and Kathleen Shanagher (Ind) decided to step down.

LIMERICK

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were battling it out throughout the weekend in Limerick as the “big two” showed dominance at the polls.

In contrast, it was a very challenging weekend for Sinn Féin in the Treaty County. There was late drama at Limerick City West. Michael MacCurtain (Fine Gael) requested a full recount – which was granted.

After the 11th count, he was in last position of the remaining candidates and due to be eliminated, but he was only seven votes short of Independent Ireland’s Esther Ahearne.

Meanwhile, it was announced that sorting of the mayoral votes would begin last night. It was emphasised that no formal counting was taking place – just sorting – ahead of the count today.

LOUTH

Former mayor of Drogheda Frank Godfrey’s attempt at reigniting his local political career received a blow, as he bowed out of the Drogheda Rural race with 390 votes.

Later on, there were loud cheers ringing across the Drogheda count centre to herald the election of local school principal Anne Marie Ford.

The first-time Fine Gael candidate was almost speechless at the announcement.

But she did use her first words as a Drogheda Rural councillor to thank her team for their support and promise to work hard for her constituents on providing better care for children with additional needs.

MEATH

Independent councillor Noel French showed that leaving Fine Gael has not done him any harm, as he was elected with a huge vote in Trim. He had a third of voters’ backing in the final tally – the highest portion for a candidate in any of the county’s six electoral areas.

“I’m a public representative. I represent the people. It ain’t hard,” Mr French said.

“I love it. If anybody has any problems or difficulties, come to me. I will reply. I may not give you the answer you want but you will get an answer. And that’s what I promise.”

Joe Fox of Fine Gael also comfortably took a second seat in the electoral area as the first result in the Meath count was finally announced yesterday afternoon.

LONGFORD

Fianna Fáil was struggling in the north of the country, and one of those to express his disappointment was retired councillor Luie McEntire.

The Dromard man enjoyed a 40-year uninterrupted career before bowing out at the 2019 local elections.

“North Longford has always been a staunch Fianna Fáil area and I feel bad because during Albert Reynolds’ time in the late 70s, he really built up the Fianna Fáil party in north Longford,” Mr McEntire said.

“We had cumanns in every area and now a lot of those cumanns have no members in them.”

In the midst of that political post-mortem, all eyes will no doubt switch to whether Fine Gael can hold onto control of the council’s chamber.

OFFALY

First-time candidate Aoife Masterson became Sinn Féin’s first candidate elected in Offaly. It was a significant result for the party because it had failed to secure a seat last time round in 2019.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, Fine Gael councillor Neil Feighery topped the poll in Tullamore LEA and became the first candidate in the county to reach the quota.

It may have been a missed opportunity of Fine Gael not to run a second candidate in the area, with Mr Feighery’s 503-vote surplus failing to elect a candidate in count two.

By yesterday afternoon, Fianna Fáil were in the lead with the most seats secured.

KILDARE

The Green Party had had a “wake-up” call after a bruising local election in Kildare where it lost both its seats.

Green Party senator Vincent P Martin, a former poll-topper in Naas and sister of deputy party leader and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin, said the party’s collapse in the partly rural county contrasted with neighbouring Dublin, where it performed reasonably well.

“Communications could be better. There’s no-one loves rural Ireland more than the Greens and maybe that message didn’t get across,” said Mr Martin.

He said the party also needed to push its social justice agenda better.

“This is a wake-up call. We have to redouble our efforts.”

The post-mortem also began for Sinn Féin in a county where the party had run 14 candidates.

The party’s local TD Réada Cronin conceded there would be no great rise in fortunes for local candidates.

She insisted she was pleased with the performance of a number of candidates however, saying they had made progress.

“They hit the bar but did not get the goal in the back of the net,” Ms Cronin said.

CLARE

At one point, counting was paused in Ennis to allow everyone to watch the Munster Senior Hurling Final – which itself was delayed by half an hour.

Later in the evening, Rachel Hartigan of Fianna Fáil, at just 22 years old, was elected to Clare County Council in the Shannon LEA on what was the 10th count.

She is among the youngest councillors in the country.

Sinn Féin had only one council seat in Clare last term. But yesterday evening, it had two, as Donna McGettigan became the second person elected in the Shannon LEA. Ms Gettigan joined Tommy Guilfoyle, who was elected to the Ennis LEA.

CORK COUNTY

It was a case of third time lucky for Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington after he was elected to Cork County Council for the Bantry-West Cork LEA on his third attempt.

The election of Ted Lucey (FG) and Martin Coughlan (non-party) in the sixth count means all six outgoing councillors have been re-elected in Macroom.

Meanwhile, there was surprise as outgoing Fine Gael councillor Kay Dawson was eliminated from the race for the remaining seats in the Fermoy LEA.

The seventh count saw the 1,158 votes of eliminated Ireland First candidate Derek Blighe distributed among five candidates.

CORK CITY

Fianna Fáil were the big winners in the Cork City Council election, although the Greens, Labour and Independents also enjoyed key breakthroughs.

It was a disappointing election for both Sinn Féin and Fine Gael.

Fine Gael managed to maintain its percentage vote but, due to transfer vagaries, were staring at the potential loss of key seats.

Labour, which had just a single councillor after the 2019 election, is set to increase its representation.

The Green Party also looked set to achieve a breakthrough win with Honore Kamegnie in the South East ward.

It was a disappointing election for Sinn Féin, which ran extra candidates but failed to make the predicted gains.