Intense Race for Dublin Central: Gerry Hutch Challenges Labour’s Marie Sherlock for Final Seat

Dublin Central Election Update

Four seats are available in Dublin Central, making the race competitive. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has been re-elected. Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats and Fine Gael Minister Paschal Donohoe are likely to retain their seats. The fight for the fourth seat is close, with Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch leading over Labour’s Marie Sherlock based on early counts. The counting resumed on Sunday morning.

Current Tally After Count Six

As of count six, Gary Gannon holds 6,363 votes, Paschal Donohoe has 5,730 votes, and Gerry Hutch is at 3,733 votes. Marie Sherlock follows with 2,917 votes, Mary Fitzpatrick has 2,553 votes, and Neasa Hourigan has 2,315 votes. Counting will continue at 10 am after a pause for the night. Hutch’s lead over Sherlock has widened, primarily owing to Malachy Steenson’s elimination, who had 1,955 votes.

Sherlock’s path to victory hinges on significant transfers from Hourigan and Fitzpatrick, a sizable challenge given the current vote spread.

Earlier Counts Summary

• Count Five: Gerald Hutch was at 3,650 votes, Marie Sherlock at 2,665, and Mary Fitzpatrick at 2,538 before counting transfers from Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin was initiated.
• Count Four: Following Sinn Féin’s Janice Boylan’s transfers, Hutch had 3,513 votes, while Sherlock had 2,547 and Fitzpatrick 2,468 votes.

Gerry Hutch’s Path to Election

Initially, after the second count, Hutch was in fourth with 3,187 votes, ahead of Labour’s Sherlock by 682 votes. The quota for election is 6,551 votes, which Hutch has not met yet. However, elimination patterns and transfer votes can favor him without reaching the quota. Sherlock has also expressed hope for transfer success but faces a tough race.

Final Thoughts

Mary Lou McDonald is close to reaching the quota, leading the first count with 6,389 votes but not enough for immediate election. Gannon commented on the significance of Hutch’s support, noting the deeper issues affecting working-class communities.

The atmosphere in Dublin Central remains tense as the counting continues, with all eyes on the transfers that will shape the outcome.