Heneghan performing strongly

Independent Barry Heneghan (pictured on the left) is a first-time councillor from Clontarf.

He was elected earlier this year to Dublin City Council.

The independent is a relatively new arrival to the political arena and would, of course, be a first-time TD if elected.

Mr Heneghan, an engineer and bar man, entered the local election contest late – but came third with 12.3% of the first-preference vote.

His social media presence, particularly on TikTok, combined with the support of two former independents, Finian McGrath and Damien O'Farrell, are thought to have contributed to his unexpected success.