Dublin: Approximately 50% of the electorate participated in yesterday’s European and local elections, with final turnout figures potentially even higher. Voters also cast their ballots in the mayoral election in Limerick.
Vote Counting Schedule
Local Elections: Counting begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
European Elections: Vote counting will start on Sunday, with results announced after all EU countries have completed voting.
Voter Turnout
Dublin recorded a 41.91% turnout, with notable figures in various areas:
– Artane Whitehall: 49.46%
– Ballyfermot Drimnagh: 42.05%
– Ballymun Finglas: 30.54%
– Clontarf: 48%
– Kimmage Rathmines: 39%
– Pembroke: 41%
– County Cork: 43.4%
High Engagement in Waterford
Heavy polling was observed in Dungarvan, Waterford, with over 50% turnout reported an hour before polls closed.
Prominent Voters
President Michael D. Higgins: Voted at Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Prime Minister Simon Harris: Voted at Delgany National School, Wicklow.
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald: Voted at Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin.
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan: Voted at Clonskeagh Muslim School, South Dublin.
Political Landscape
The elections occurred amidst debates on housing, living costs, and immigration. Government allies Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party faced criticism over climate action, agricultural policy, and EU defence cooperation.
Sinn Féin initially led in popularity with 35% support, but this has waned, giving rise to independent candidates, many of whom are anti-immigrant.
Despite a leadership change after Leo Varadkar’s sudden resignation, Simon Harris has positively influenced party and government standings. The election outcome will impact the timing of the next general election, due by next March.
Local Councillors
Ireland’s 31 local authorities are divided into 166 electoral areas, with 949 councillors to be elected. This year, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin have fielded an equal number of candidates in each area. Over 500 independents are also running, alongside new parties like Independent Ireland and The Irish People, with a total of 2,171 candidates.
Indian Candidates’ Active Presence
The local elections feature significant participation from Indian candidates. In areas like Lucan, Tallaght, Dún Laoghaire, Blackrock, Sandyford, and others, the Indian community turned out in large numbers to vote.
‘Key Indian Candidates in Dublin’:
– Linquinstar Mathew (Artane)
– Philjin Josumanavar (Finglas/Cabra)
– Supriya Singh (Donaghmede)
– Punam Rane (Kimmage Rathmines)
– Lekha Menon Margassery (Labour, South Central Cork)
‘Other Notable Indian Candidates’:
– Thomas Joseph (Labour, Blackrock)
– Rupesh Kumar Panicker (Independent, Sandyford)
– Reggie C. Jacob (Independent, Dún Laoghaire)
– Shashank Chakraborty (Independent, Blanchardstown)
– Roy Joseph Kunchilakkat (Independent, Lucan)
– Jithin Ram (Green Party, Lucan)
– Baby Perepadan and Brito Perepadan (Fine Gael, Lucan)
– Jose Cyriac (Independent, Navan)
Women Candidates
This election sees 682 women running, a record number, though two areas (Corca Dhuibhne in Kerry and Moate in Westmeath) have no female candidates. Party representation among women varies, with Sinn Féin having the highest percentage of female candidates at 44%.
In 2019, Fianna Fáil secured the most council seats, the Green Party achieved a historic victory, and Sinn Féin lost numerous seats. This year’s results will soon reveal if voter sentiment has shifted significantly.
Ireland awaits the outcomes of these crucial elections, which will shape the political landscape for the coming years.
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