Dublin South Central has turned up a number of surprises with three first-time TDs elected.
Fianna Fáil’s Catherine Ardagh claimed the first seat, following two unsuccessful runs in 2016 and 2020. The Social Democrats made another gain in the capital with Jen Cummins also elected, claiming the second seat.
Ms Cummins only became a local councillor for the party in June. Sinn Féin will also be happy, with long-time TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh joined by Cllr Máire Devine. The party had run three candidates and both were boosted by transfers from their running mate, Daithí Doolan.
Independent 4 Change’s Joan Collins, a TD since 2011, lost her seat as did the Green Party’s Patrick Costello. People Before Profit was unable to hold on to the seat formerly held by Bríd Smith, who has retired, despite a strong performance from Hazel de Nortúin, who fell short on the 15th and final count.
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Ms Ardagh, who is the daughter of the late Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ardagh, reached the quota on the 14th count and was boosted by Fine Gael’s Mary Seery Kearney’s transfers. Ms Cummins was helped over the line by Mr Costello’s and the Labour Party’s Darragh Moriarty’s transfers. Mr Ó Snodaigh, who received 12 per cent of first preference votes, took the third seat and was followed by Ms Devine.
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