Grace O’Sullivan’s Seat Up for Grabs in Southern Ireland; Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan Close to Quota – The Irish Times

The Southern Ireland constituency is poised for a heated election with Grace O’Sullivan’s seat up for grabs. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is currently close to reaching the required quota of votes to secure a seat in the European Parliament. O’Sullivan, a member of Sinn Féin, has held the seat since 2004. However, she is facing a strong challenge from Flanagan, an Independent candidate. Flanagan, known for his outspoken views and activism, has garnered significant support in recent weeks. As of Friday evening, Flanagan had received over 90,000 votes, putting him within striking distance of the quota of 130,278 votes. O’Sullivan was trailing behind with 75,000 votes. Other candidates in the running include Deirdre Clune of Fine Gael, Billy Kelleher of Fianna Fáil, and Hugh Fitzgerald of Labour. However, with Flanagan and O’Sullivan dominating the race, they are seen as the frontrunners. The election results are expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Ireland. Sinn Féin is hoping to retain O’Sullivan’s seat, while Flanagan’s election would mark a major upset and shake up the European Parliament. The counting of votes is ongoing, and the final results are expected to be announced in the coming days.European Elections Count

European Elections Count

–

Dublin:

Four MEPs elected: None listed. –

Midlands-North-West:

Ming Flanagan (Ind) close to quota; Nina Carberry (FG), Maria Walsh (FG), Barry Cowen (FF), and Ciaran Mullooly all in contention for the remaining seats. Results here: [link not provided] –

Southern Ireland:

Seán Kelly (FG) and Billy Kelleher (FG) elected; Kathleen Funchion (SF), Michael McNamara (Ind), Mick Wallace (Ind), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF), Grace O’Sullivan (Green) still in the running for three remaining seats. Results here: [link not provided]

Local Election Count

– Fianna Fáil becomes the largest party with 248 seats. Other party seat counts: Fine Gael 245, Labor 46, Social Democrats 35, Greens 23, People Before Profit Solidarity 13, Aontú 8, Independents 186, Other 33.

Derek Blighe Transfers

– Eliminated anti-immigration candidate Derek Blighe believes most of his transfers will go to Michael McNamara (Ind), who is in the running for one of the final three seats in Southern Ireland.

Gibney’s Financial Loss

– Social Democrat candidate Sinéad Gibney reveals she lost €20,000 in her bid for a European Parliament seat and sold her car to partially fund her campaign. She missed the threshold for campaign expense reimbursement by just 440 votes.

Labor-Social Democrat Merger Debate

– The question of a potential merger between Labor and the Social Democrats has resurfaced following the parties’ success in local elections. Social Democrats nearly doubled their council representation, while Labor maintained its seat count and won a Dublin MEP seat.

Green Party Criticism

– Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin criticizes Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil for their actions during the election campaign, warning that the climate crisis is “too important to play with.”Political novice Luke “Ming” Flanagan has moved closer to taking the seat vacated by Grace O’Sullivan in the European Parliament after a surge in support in the second count. Mr Flanagan, who ran as an independent despite previously being a member of Sinn Féin, polled 101,848 first-preference votes in the Southern constituency – the highest of any candidate. He came close to reaching the quota of 117,116 required to be elected on the first count, and following the elimination of Deirdre Clune his vote increased significantly. The quota is now down to 106,120 and Mr Flanagan has 108,669 votes, putting him in a very strong position to win the seat on the next count. If he is elected, Mr Flanagan will become the first MEP from a non-mainstream party to be elected in Ireland since Dana Rosemary Scallon 15 years ago.