The votes have been cast and the boxes will be counted over the weekend. Ireland will elect 14 MEP seats and 949 councillors across 31 local authorities. The first directly elected mayor of Limerick will also be revealed.
The elections will provide insights into the state of Irish politics and shape the upcoming general election. Here are 16 key things to watch out for:
- The number of TDs elected
- The rise of the right-wing
- The fate of the Greens
- The impact of Simon Harris on Fine Gael
- Sinn Féin’s performance
- Aodhán Ó Riordáin and the Labour party
- The potential success of Independents
- Former broadcasters running for office
- Limerick’s first directly elected mayor
- The election of Parnell Square hero, Caio Benicio
- Mica candidates in Donegal
- Former TDs returning to local politics
- The case of Maria Dwyer-Agrios
- Potential strife in the Seanad
- The performance of smaller parties
- Fianna Fáil’s dominance in the local elections
The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the political landscape in Ireland and set the stage for the upcoming general election. Stay tuned as the results unfold over the coming days.