“These by-election results have been monumental for the Social Democrats. They demonstrate the momentum for the party that we have seen since the general election is not just confined to opinion polls. It has now been reflected in polling booths.
“Daniel Ennis ran an extraordinary campaign in Dublin Central, topping the poll and winning the seat. A stunning performance from a candidate who exuded positivity, decency and compassion.
“In Galway West, Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich nearly doubled the party’s first preference vote share and finished fourth overall.
“This was an exceptional result for a candidate who had never stood for election before and has really marked Míde out as someone to watch in the future. I am very confident that she can win a seat in any forthcoming general election.
“These by-election results show that when people are looking for an alternative to the Government parties, they are increasingly choosing the Social Democrats.
“As a party, we are clear about our values and our policy positions, so people really know where they stand with the Social Democrats.
“I think more and more people are looking for that straight-talking type of politics, a politics that has the courage of its convictions, and these incredible by-election results bear that out.
“When I became leader of the Social Democrats, I said that I was unashamedly ambitious for the future of the party. Since then, we doubled the size of our parliamentary party in the last general election and now Daniel will be joining us in the Dáil after these by-elections.
“I am determined to continue to grow the party and provide voters with a real alternative to the Government in the next election. This is why I have committed to standing a candidate in every constituency in the next general election.”
May 25, 2026