European Elections 2024: Kelleher and Flanagan Lead Polls as O’Sullivan’s Hopes Dwindle

The latest polls for the upcoming European Parliament elections in 2024 have revealed a significant lead for Fine Gael candidate Billy Kelleher and Independent candidate Luke “Ming” Flanagan. The results have cast doubt on the reelection hopes of incumbent MEP Grace O’Sullivan.

Kelleher and Flanagan Surge Ahead

Kelleher, a former government minister, has been consistently polling well in recent months. He has campaigned on a platform of economic recovery, job creation, and increased support for farmers. Flanagan, a social justice advocate and former MEP, has also gained momentum, focusing on issues such as climate change, housing, and healthcare. The two candidates have been polling neck-and-neck, with Kelleher holding a slight advantage in some surveys. Their strong performance has surprised many observers, who had initially expected O’Sullivan to be the favorite.

O’Sullivan’s Hopes Fade

O’Sullivan, a Fianna Fáil MEP, has been in office since 2019. She has faced criticism for her attendance record and her handling of certain issues, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her poll numbers have dropped significantly over the past year. Analysts believe that O’Sullivan’s unpopularity may be due in part to the decline in support for Fianna Fáil. The party has been struggling in recent opinion polls, with Fine Gael and Sinn Féin gaining ground.

Implications for the Election

The latest polls indicate that Kelleher and Flanagan are the frontrunners in the race. However, there are still several months to go until the election, and the results could change dramatically. If Kelleher or Flanagan does win the election, it would represent a significant setback for O’Sullivan and Fianna Fáil. It would also mark a shift in the political landscape in Ireland, with Fine Gael and Independent candidates gaining ground. With the European elections approaching, the campaigns are intensifying and the battle for votes is likely to be fierce. The latest polls have given Kelleher and Flanagan a significant advantage, but whether they can maintain their lead and secure victory remains to be seen.European elections 2024: Billy Kelleher and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan top polls as hopes fade for incumbent MEP Grace O’Sullivan With just over a year to go until the 2024 European elections, the latest opinion polls suggest that two high-profile candidates are leading the race in Ireland. Billy Kelleher, a former rugby international and current member of the European Parliament (MEP), is the frontrunner according to a poll conducted by Red C for the Sunday Business Post. Kelleher, who was elected as an Independent MEP in 2019, is running for re-election as a member of the Fianna Fáil party. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, a former MEP and current TD for Roscommon-Galway, is in second place in the poll. Flanagan, who was elected as an MEP for the Sinn Féin party in 2014, is running for re-election as an Independent candidate. The incumbent MEP for the Ireland South constituency, Grace O’Sullivan of the Green Party, is in third place in the poll. O’Sullivan, who was elected in 2019, is seeking a second term in office. The poll suggests that Kelleher and Flanagan are the frontrunners in the race, with O’Sullivan facing an uphill battle to retain her seat. However, it is still early days in the campaign and there is still a long way to go before the election. The European elections will be held on May 26, 2024.