Sinn Fein has 102 councillors, an increase on 81 council seats won in 2019, but party leader Mary Lou McDonald has admitted the result fell below their expectations. In the European elections, despite days of counting votes it is not yet clear whether Sinn Fein will increase its tally of MEPs. Only one other MEP has so far been elected in Ireland – Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly in Ireland South. Independent TD Michael McNamara and Sinn Fein TD Kathleen Funchion are well placed, with Fianna Fail candidate and 1994 Eurovision host Cynthia Ni Mhurchu and outgoing MEP Mick Wallace also in contention. If the race stays as it currently stands, Barry Cowen will be heading to Strasbourg as an MEP for Fianna Fail in the fourth seat.

Source: The Herald June 12, 2024 23:20 UTC