Current TDs (four seats)
Eoin Ó Broin (Sinn Féin), Mark Ward (Sinn Féin), Emer Higgins (Fine Gael), Gino Kenny (People Before Profit)
Where are the potential gains?
Back in 2020, Dublin Midwest saw big changes as Sinn Fein dominated the votes with over 40pc going to both Eoin O’Broin (26pc), who got in on the first count and SF Mark Ward (17pc), who got in on the second count.
It was a victorious time for the left wing as People Before Profit’s Gino Kenny got in on the 12th count with 8pc of the votes, with Emer Higgins from Fine Gael with 9pc of votes taking the remaining spot.
This time round, there will be five seats available in Dublin Midwest compared to four. This region includes the areas of Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Saggart. Politicians will now have an extra chance to get voted into the constituency.
Social Democrats councillor Eoin O Broin was the first to declare his candidacy. Fianna Fáil selected councillor Shane Moynihan as their candidate, Greens selected Jithin Ran, and Sinn Féin selected incumbent TDs Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward.
There could also be an increase in the number of far-right candidates running. Independent Ireland announced earlier this month that Cllr Linda de Courcy will run in Dublin Midwest with her campaign focusing on tackling the immigration crisis, which she describes as “out of control.”
Some big names in 2020’s general election included Vicki Casserly (FG) and Francis Timmons (Ind). They won local elections earlier this year, so it’s possible we could see them run for the TD role once again.
What are the issues under the spotlight?
As in much of the country, the housing crisis is a big issue in Dublin Midwest, along with special educational needs, the lack of reliable public transport, illegal drugs, and the cost of living, among others.
Any boundary changes to note?
There will be five seats available in Dublin Midwest compared to four in previous years.
This region includes the areas of Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Saggart.
Candidates
Eoin O Broin (Social Democrats)
Shane Moynihan (Fianna Fáil)
Eoin Ó Broin (Sinn Féin)*
Mark Ward (Sinn Féin)*
Emer Higgins (Fine Gael)*
Gino Kenny (People Before Profit)*
Linda de Courcy (Independent Ireland)
Vicki Casserly (Fine Gael)
Francis Timmons (Labour)
Karla Doran (Green Party)
Further candidates may be added to the ballot
*Indicates a sitting TD
