As the country's two newest TDs, Daniel Ennis and Seán Kyne, prepare to take their seats in Dáil Éireann tomorrow, political parties will continue to assess the implications of the weekend's bye-election results.
Mr Ennis was elected for the Social Democrats in Dublin Central, while Mr Kyne secured victory for Fine Gael in Galway West.
The outcome leaves the overall balance between Government and Opposition in the Dáil unchanged, but provides a significant boost for the Social Democrats, who are now one seat stronger than the Labour Party.
Fine Gael, meanwhile, can celebrate a rare bye-election win for a government party.
All parties are now expected to analyse the vote in detail, including Independent Ireland, which lost out on the final count in Galway West, and Sinn Féin, the largest opposition party, which failed to win either contest.
Fianna Fáil is also expected to review its performance after a sharp decline in support in Dublin Central and a reduced vote share in Galway West.
Mr Kyne's election to the Dáil means a bye-election for his Seanad seat must now take place, while the Social Democrats will nominate a replacement for Mr Ennis to be co-opted onto Dublin City Council.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly rejected suggestions that the party is experiencing an "identity crisis" following its poor showing.
She said the party would carry out a detailed post-election review, examining tallies and voting patterns against previous elections.
"Bye-election results are very rarely reflected in the general election," she said.
Listen: Louise O'Reilly insists no 'identity crisis' in her party
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Deputy O'Reilly said the party would examine whether supporters had stayed at home or transferred their support elsewhere.
"At the same time, thousands of people did vote for Sinn Féin. We thank them very sincerely. We don't take our support for granted," she said.
She added that party leader Mary Lou McDonald would continue to hold the Government to account when the Dáil returns tomorrow.
Deputy O’Reilly described Sinn Féin as a "republican left united party" and said its policies continue to be shaped by grassroots members.
Speaking on the same programme, Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the party would have liked to have performed "much better" in Dublin Central.
He said bye-elections are "very different to a general election" and argued that turnout levels are generally low.
"The electorate know they are not going to change the outcome of the government," he said.
Mr Dooley said Fianna Fáil would also have liked to have performed "a little better" in Galway West, but stressed that bye-election results are not necessarily an indicator of future general election performance.
He referenced the party's bye-election victory in Wexford in 2019, followed by the loss of that seat at the subsequent general election.
Mr Dooley commended party candidate John Stephens for running what he described as a "positive campaign".
He acknowledged that Dublin Central remains one of several constituencies where Fianna Fáil wants to improve its organisation and support base.
Asked about party leader Micheál Martin, Mr Dooley said responsibility for the result rests with the wider party and not any individual leader.
