SINN FÉIN LEADER Mary Lou McDonald has been re-elected in Dublin Central. She was elected on the third count at the RDS this evening with 7,388 votes. Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe (5,590) looks set to take the second seat with Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats (4,

With all boxes now tallied in the Dublin Central constituency, Independent candidate Gerard Hutch looks likely to be in contention for a seat with around 9% of first preference votes.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald will top the poll on around 20pc it appears, followed by Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe on around 17pc. Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats is polling in third place at 13pc followed by Hutch on 9pc.

Gerry Hutch’s surprising vote share shows the power of persona, while Gary Gannon’s gains see him sweep third seat

Irish voters are heading to the polls on Friday to elect a new Government, with the two centre parties which have run the country for more than a century and been in coalition together for the past 4 years – vying to stay in power.

Dublin Central is a constituency full of big players in the world of Irish politics. Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe calls the constituency his home as does Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Local TD Gary Gannon said the gangland figure’s popularity is down to media attention and long-held hurt in the community.