ⓒ The Irish Times
The Irish general election saw high tensions and unexpected results in Stephen Donnelly’s constituency. Donnelly’s campaign team displayed visible anxiety throughout the day, contrasting sharply with the confident demeanor of Taoiseach Simon Harris’s supporters. Early in the count, Donnelly’s team was tight-lipped, unwilling to comment on the low initial vote count. In contrast, Harris’s team, led by his brother and sister, exuded optimism, celebrating his strong early lead. Harris’s sister commented on the family’s support for Simon following a challenging social media incident that went viral.
As the day progressed, the mood in Donnelly’s camp shifted. While initially discouraged, Donnelly’s team found renewed hope as he moved into fourth place. However, the tension remained, with one team member refusing to comment to the press. A younger member of Fianna Fáil poignantly highlighted the precarious nature of political careers, emphasizing the personal stakes involved. The media’s early dismissal of Donnelly also fueled frustration within his team.
The final results saw Harris secure a significant victory with 30.4% of the vote, followed by Sinn Féin’s John Brady. Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats also performed well. While the final seat remained contested, Donnelly’s position was precarious. A campaign member expressed disappointment, noting lingering resentment toward Donnelly’s past party switch. Despite the uncertainty, Donnelly’s spokesperson remained optimistic, highlighting the ongoing vote transfers and the minister’s calm demeanor. Sinn Féin celebrated strong results, while Whitmore expressed relief and acknowledged the human toll of the election process. The election’s impact on the government was also discussed, with concern raised over the potential reduction in government TDs.
