Elections 2024: Five things we learned on the second day of election counting
Mary Day' Picture: Wasn't Sam Leader 'it Photos Sinn Our Lou Admitted Mcdonald Féin Boal/collins
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has questions to answer and admitted "it wasn't our day" after the votes surge failed to materialise.
The party president batted away the suggestion that her own day was done. Asked if she was the right person to continue to lead the party, a bullish Ms McDonald said: "Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt."
The gamble to exit Leo Varadkar stage left so close to a general election has paid off. When the former Taoiseach announced his shock resignation, Simon Harris spoke about rejuvenating the party.
Mr Harris said he was "delighted" with the results, however, he returned to script in ruling out an early general election.
Micheál Martin is going nowhere. It was a solid, if not spectacular, showing for Fianna Fáil. By 7pm on Sunday, the party had secured 123 local election seats and 23% of first preferences.
It is enough to ensure he'll stay in charge for one final tilt at a general election... whenever that is.
The family dynasty is still going strong. The Healy Raes in Kerry. The McGraths and Kellehers in Cork. The Lowrys in Tipp. It pays to have a family in the business, especially if that family is Fianna Fáil.
Seamus McGrath, brother of Finance Minister Michael, was elected on the first count in Cork's Carrigaline LEA, garnering 5,191 votes — the highest first-preference vote in the country.
In Kerry, Maura Healy Rae has followed her brother Johnny and cousin Jackie into Kerry County Council.
Spare a thought for those who tried but... like Independent Tamasin MacCarthy Morrogh who mustered up just 38 votes in Cork City North East, or Joel Rajesh in Cork South Central who rustled up just 25 — or roughly one for every day he canvassed.
- Follow all the results across the weekend at the Irish Examiner election hub.