2005 Kildare North by-election

A by-election was held in the Dáil Éireann Kildare North constituency in Ireland on Friday, 11 March 2005. It followed the resignation of Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) Charlie McCreevy on 31 October 2004 to take up his new position as Ireland's European Commissioner.

2005 Kildare North by-election

11 March 2005
Turnout25,524 (39.2%)
 
Nominee Catherine Murphy Áine Brady Darren Scully
Party Independent Fianna Fáil Fine Gael
First preferences 5,985 6,201 4,630
Percentage 23.6 24.5 18.3
Final count 12,256 9,818

 
Nominee Paddy MacNamara Kate Walsh J. J. Power
Party Labour Progressive Democrats Green
First preferences 6,087 2,006 1,547
Percentage 17.8 7.9 6.1
Final count

 
Nominee Gerry Browne Seanán Ó Coistín
Party Independent Independent
First preferences 226 211
Percentage 0.9 0.8
Final count

Kildare North shown within Ireland

TD before election

Charlie McCreevy
Fianna Fáil

Elected TD

Catherine Murphy
Independent

On 15 February 2005 the campaign began in earnest when it was announced that polling would take place on 11 March. Eight candidates contested the vacant seat, with victory going to the Independent candidate, Catherine Murphy.[1] Her 23.6% share of the first-preference vote was the lowest recorded at any by-election since Patrick Kinane won the Tipperary by-election in October 1947 with a 21.4% share.[2]

As a result of her election, Kildare North was the only constituency in the Republic of Ireland that did not have a TD from one of the government parties of Fianna Fáil or the Progressive Democrats. Murphy also went into the record books as County Kildare's first ever female member of Dáil Éireann.

On the same day, a by-election took place in Meath, both were the final occasions which the Progressive Democrats contested by-elections.

Result

2005 Kildare North by-election[1]
PartyCandidateFPv%Count
12345
Fianna Fáil Áine Brady 24.5 6,201 6,255 7,265 8,133 9,818
Independent Catherine Murphy 23.6 5,985 6,189 7,176 8,809 12,256
Fine Gael Darren Scully 18.3 4,630 4,660 5,382 7,421  
Labour Paddy MacNamara 17.8 4,507 4,545 5,199    
Progressive Democrats Kate Walsh 7.9 2,006 2,023      
Green J. J. Power 6.1 1,547 1,621      
Independent Gerry Browne 0.9 226        
Independent Seanán Ó Coistín 0.8 211        
Electorate: 65,080   Valid: 25,313   Spoilt: 211 (0.8%)   Quota: 12,657   Turnout: 25,524 (39.2%)

    See also

    References

    1. "Kildare North By Election: 11 March 2005". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 25 November 2008.
    2. "Tipperary By Election: 29 October 1947". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 25 November 2008.
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