Sandra Hurley

Political Reporter

Many of the Independents are already organising into groups ahead of Government formation talks

Independents move centre stage in Govt formation talks

The Dáil's 16 independents are feeling the love right now as they move centre stage in government formation talks, writes Sandra Hurley

Election 24 • 09 Dec 24

Paul Lawless will join party leader Peadar Tóibín in the Dáil

Aontú wins second seat as Lawless joins Tóibín in Dáil

Aontú has returned a second TD for the first time with the election of Paul Lawless in Mayo. He will join party leader Peadar Tóibín in the Dáil, who has been elected again in Meath West.

Election 24 • 01 Dec 24

Decisions ahead for Soc Dems and Labour leadership

Labour and the Social Democrats have both had a good election and could end up with around ten seats each - next they will grappling with whether to go into Government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and if so, on what terms.

Election 24 • 01 Dec 24

The country went to the polls on Friday and the Exit Poll was released at 10pm that night

Low turnout an issue in Exit Poll data - polling company

Polling company Ipsos Behaviour & Attitudes has blamed the lower than expected election turnout for errors in its Exit Poll, which underestimated Fianna Fáil and overestimated Sinn Féin's vote, beyond the margin of error.

Election 24 • 01 Dec 24

Respondents were asked whether they would have stuck with their first preference candidate if that person had run for another political party

Green Party voters most loyal to party over candidates

Green Party supporters are the most loyal to their party over individual candidates, while Fianna Fáil voters are most likely to stick with their preferred politician, according to the Exit Poll.

Election 24 • 30 Nov 24

Deadlock looms as election campaign comes to a close

The election campaign is limping to the finish line after a fairly tepid few weeks.

Election 24 • 28 Nov 24

One of Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris will be elected Taoiseach following the election

High stakes and high drama as leaders prepare for debate

High stakes, high drama and an electoral outcome that remains up in the air. Tonight's RTÉ Prime Time leaders' debate has all the ingredients for a nail-biting finish to this General Election after a fairly lacklustre campaign, writes Sandra Hurley.

Election 24 • 26 Nov 24

High stakes and high drama as leaders prepped for debate

High stakes, high drama and an electoral outcome that remains up in the air. Tonight's RTÉ Prime Time leaders' debate has all the ingredients for a nail-biting finish to this General Election after a fairly lacklustre campaign, writes Sandra Hurley.

Election 24 • 26 Nov 24

Social Democrats launched its manifesto this morning

Social Democrats pledges 145,000 social, affordable homes

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan has said it is not credible to suggest that tax cuts can be made alongside improved investment in public services.

Election 24 • 19 Nov 24

John McGahon was found not guilty in a criminal trial in 2022 of assault causing harm to Breen White outside a pub in Dundalk six years ago

McGahon candidacy opens FG up to political onslaught

Fine Gael Senator John McGahon is his party's main hope of retaining its seat in Louth but his candidacy has caused a problem for the party which has galvanised everybody else into attack mode, writes Sandra Hurley

Election 24 • 18 Nov 24