Meath by-election, 2005

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On 31 October 2004, the Teachta Dála (TD) for Meath, John Bruton, officially resigned as a member of Dáil Éireann to take up his new position as European Union Ambassador to Washington. His resignation resulted in the need for a by-election. As Bruton was a Fine Gael member, that party had the responsibility of deciding when the by-election should take place.

On 15th February 2005 the campaign began in earnest when it was announced that polling would take place on March 11. Seven candidates contested the vacant seat, with victory going to the Fine Gael candidate, Shane McEntee.

On the same day, a by-election took place in Kildare North.

[edit] Result

Out of a registered electorate of 121,041, there were 49,706 valid votes, making a turnout of 41.07%.

Meath by-election, 2005
Party Candidate 1st Pref  % Seat Count
Fine Gael Shane McEntee 16,964 34.13 1 8
Fianna Fáil Shane Cassells 16,117 32.42
Sinn Féin Joe Reilly 6,087 12.25
Labour Party Dominic Hannigan 5,567 11.20
Progressive Democrats Sirena Campbell 2,679 5.39
Green Party Fergal O'Byrne 1,590 3.20
Independent Liam Ó Gogáin 702 1.41

[edit] See also