ⓒ The Irish Times
Gerard Hutch, known as “The Monk,” a figure associated with Dublin’s criminal underworld, is unexpectedly vying for a seat in the Dublin Central constituency. His candidacy, announced earlier this month, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. After the first count, Hutch secured a surprising 9.5% of the vote, placing him in fourth position, though significantly short of the quota needed for election.
Despite initial skepticism, Hutch garnered considerable support in the north inner city, his home area, and beyond. The race for the final seat is now a tight contest between Hutch and Labour’s Marie Sherlock. As the count progressed, Hutch maintained a lead over Sherlock, with other candidates, including Fianna Fáil’s Mary Fitzpatrick and the Green Party’s Neasa Hourigan trailing further behind. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald secured a seat early on.
The outcome hinges on the distribution of votes from eliminated candidates, particularly Malachy Steenson, an anti-immigration activist. Hutch’s presence in the election is particularly striking given his recent acquittal on murder charges stemming from the Regency Hotel attack, a pivotal event in a violent gangland feud that claimed 18 lives. While acquitted, the court did find that Hutch had control of weapons used in the attack, highlighting the complexities of his past and present roles.
Political analysts are deeply divided on the reasons behind Hutch’s unexpected success. Some attribute it to media attention and sympathy for the inner-city community, which has faced decades of hardship and neglect. Others view it as a protest vote reflecting deeper societal issues. The ongoing count promises a dramatic conclusion and further insights into the political climate of Dublin Central.
