Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Tied as Over 80% of Council Seats Filled

In a fiercely contested local election, Fianna Fáil (FF) and Fine Gael (FG) are running neck and neck as over 86% of council seats have been filled. Both parties secured around 23% of first preference votes, continuing their dominance in local government.

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Council Seats Update – Fine Gael Leads, Independents and Sinn Féin Show Strong Performance

As of 5am, Fine Gael is slightly ahead with 214 councillors, compared to Fianna Fáil’s 204. The Ballina local electoral area remains the only one yet to return a first count.

Independents have had a strong showing, winning over 160 seats so far. Sinn Féin has secured more than 91 councillors, pulling ahead of Labour, which has 52. Despite likely finishing with more councillors than in 2019, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald admitted the results were below expectations and emphasised the need for reflection and regrouping.

The Social Democrats have elected over 30 candidates, mostly in the eastern regions. Independent Ireland has successfully elected 20 members to local councils.

Celebrations erupted for the Green Party’s Ray Cunningham after his election in Dublin, marking a notable victory for the party. As counting continues, the political landscape remains competitive and dynamic.