The Thrilling Early Days of the Election
As the election counts unfold, it’s important to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. With predictions being tentative at this stage, the landscape is still taking shape. Nevertheless, some interesting trends are emerging.
The Strength of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil
Initial results suggest that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are holding their ground. Minister Peter Burke highlighted a strong center ground support, which could play a crucial role in the final outcomes.
Independents Making Waves
Independent candidates are showing promise across various count centers. From Jackie Healy Rae in Kerry to Declan Bree in Sligo, independents are commanding attention.
Sinn Féin’s Strategy
While Sinn Féin’s increase in council seats is expected, running too many candidates may pose challenges. It’s still early, and transfer patterns will determine the party’s success.
Greens Holding Ground
Despite some setbacks, the Green party is holding seats and competing well in multiple areas. Party leader Eamon Ryan remains optimistic about their prospects.
Mica Candidates in Donegal
The ‘100% Redress’ candidates in Donegal are gaining traction, highlighting the importance of the mica redress issue in the region. Their strong showing indicates a promising future.