2005 Meath by-election

A by-election was held in the Dáil Éireann Meath constituency in Ireland on Friday, 11 March 2005. It followed the resignation of Fine Gael Teachta Dála (TD) John Bruton on 31 October 2004 to take up his new position as European Union Ambassador to the United States.

2005 Meath by-election
11 March 2005
Turnout50,183 (41.5%)
 
Nominee Shane McEntee Shane Cassells Dominic Hannigan
Party Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Labour
First preferences 16,964 16,117 5,567
Percentage 34.1 32.4 11.2
Final count 24,047 21,178 –
 
Nominee Joe Reilly Sirena Campbell Fergal O'Byrne
Party Sinn Féin Progressive Democrats Green
First preferences 6,087 2,679 1,590
Percentage 12.3 5.4 3.2
Final count – – –
 
Nominee Liam Ó Gogáin
Party Independent
First preferences 702
Percentage 1.4
Final count –
Meath shown within Ireland
TD before election

John Bruton
Fine Gael

 Elected TD

Shane McEntee
Fine Gael

Tommy Reilly, the original Fianna Fáil candidate, was forced to stand down due to some land rezoning issues.[1]

On 15 February 2005 the campaign began in earnest when it was announced that polling would take place on 11 March. Seven candidates contested the vacant seat, with victory going to the Fine Gael candidate, Shane McEntee.[2]

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

Result
2005 Meath by-election
PartyCandidateFPv%Count
1234
Fine Gael Shane McEntee 34.1 16,964 17,083 18,214 24,047
Fianna Fáil Shane Cassells 32.4 16,117 16,230 17,480 21,178
Sinn Féin Joe Reilly 12.3 6,087 6,183 6,514  
Labour Dominic Hannigan 11.2 5,567 5,672 7,061  
Progressive Democrats Sirena Campbell 5.4 2,679 2,746    
Green Fergal O'Byrne 3.2 1,590 1,744    
Independent Liam Ó Gogáin 1.4 702      
Electorate: 121,041   Valid: 49,706   Spoilt: 477 (0.9%)   Quota: 24,854   Turnout: 50,183 (41.5%)

    See also

    References
    1. "No date set for Meath by-election". RTÉ News. Retrieved 1 February 2005.
    2. "Meath By-election: 11 March 2005". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 25 November 2008.
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