Seán Kyne (40), who has retained his Fine Gael seat in Galway West, was first elected in 2011 after two full recounts. When he filled the last of the Dáíl's 166 seats five years ago, it was by just 17 votes.

The former agri-environmental consultant from Moycullen came to politics as a county councillor and has carved out a strong base. He is married to journalist Avril Horan.

Just a week before the election, he publicly criticised running mate Senator Hildegarde Naughton for not being more supportive of a new €17-million, 75-bed block for University Hospital Galway.