1994 Dublin South-Central by-election

By-election to the 27th Dáil May 2026 May 2026 1994 Dublin South-Central by-election Ireland by-election no 1992 Irish general election 1992 9 June 1994 1997 Irish general election 1997 26,775 (43.0%) First preferences Percentage Final count Eric Byrne 2010 (cropped).jpg 140 120 160 0 0 Eric Byrne Democratic Left (Ireland) 7,445 27.8% 12,741 Mulcahy Michael Mulcahy Fianna Fáil 5,642 21.1% 8,629 Brian Hayes, 2014.jpg 150 120 160 10 10 Brian Hayes Fine Gael 4,637 17.3% – 150px TD John O'Connell Fianna Fáil TD after election Eric Byrne Democratic Left (Ireland) A Dáil by-election was held in the constituency of Dublin South-Central in Ireland on Thursday, 9 June 1994, to fill a vacancy in the 27th Dáil. It followed the resignation on health grounds of Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) John O'Connell on 24 February 1993. The by-election was won by the Democratic Left candidates, Eric Byrne, a member of Dublin City Council who had represented the constituency from 1989 to 1992.https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1994-06-14/10/ Returns to Writs: Mayo West and Dublin South-Central. Introduction of New Members Dáil Debates 443 7 14 June 1994 Houses of the Oireachtas This was the first of two occasions that Democratic Left won a by-election. On the same day, a by-election took place in Mayo West. Background On 24 February 1993, Fianna Fáil TD John O'Connell, who had served as Ceann Comhairle and as Minister for Health, resigned as a TD due to ill health.https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1993-02-24/36/ Resignation of Member Dáil Debates 426 6 24 February 1993 8 July 2022 Houses of the OireachtasDoyle Jim 25 February 1993 Dr John quits https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-dr-john-quits/176704020/ 15 July 2025 The Star 13 It followed shortly after the vacancy in Mayo West after Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig Flynn had resigned on 4 January prior to his appointment as Ireland's European Commissioner.Mac Cormaic Mairtin 29 April 1993 By-election writs voted out https://www.newspapers.com/article/irish-independent-by-election-writs-vote/176706469/ 15 July 2025 Irish Independent 5 Opposition parties initially pushed to hold the by-elections as early as possible. On 28 April 1993, a motion by Democratic Left leader Proinsias De Rossa to issue the writ of election to fill the vacancy (and that in Mayo West), opposed by the Fianna Fáil–Labour Party coalition government, was defeated by 45 to 82.https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1993-04-28/3/ Issue of Writs for By-Elections: Motion Dáil Debates 429 7 28 April 1993 Houses of the Oireachtas28 April 1993 Election call move defeated https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-election-call-move-defeat/176706118/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 42 On 24 February 1994, de Rossa moved a second motion to issue the writ, which was defeated by 41 to 66.https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1994-02-24/7/ Issue of Writs: Motions - Dublin South-Central and Mayo West By-Elections Dáil Debates 439 4 24 February 1994 8 July 2022 Houses of the Oireachtas On 18 May 1994, a government motion to issue the writs was agreed.https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1994-05-18/4/ Dublin South-Central By-Election Writ: Motion Dáil Debates 442 9 24 February 1994 8 July 2022 Houses of the Oireachtas It was held on 9 June 1994, the same day as the 1994 European Parliament election, the 1994 local elections, and the 1994 Mayo West by-election. Writing in 1996, Michael Gallagher gave the 470 days between O'Connell's resignation in February 1993 and the date of the by-election as the second-longest interval between the creation of a vacancy and the holding of the resultant by-election, with the 521 days in Mayo West being the longest.Gallagher Michael Michael Gallagher (academic) By-elections to Dáil Éireann 1923–96: The anomaly that conforms Irish Political Studies 1996 11 1 36 10.1080/07907189608406556 https://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/about/people/michael_gallagher/IPSByElections1996.pdf They would later be surpassed by the delay of 5 June 2009 25 November 2010 days in holding the 2010 Donegal South-West by-election.https://www.irishtimes.com/news/court-declares-byelection-delay-unconstitutional-1.672130 Court declares byelection delay unconstitutional Carol Coulter Carol Coulter The Irish Times 4 November 2010 Candidates Democratic Left One of the first candidates to declare their intention to run was Dublin City Councillor and former TD for the constituency Eric Byrne. Byrne was elected at the 1989 general election as a Workers' Party TD.Eric Byrne https://www.electionsireland.org/candidate.cfm?ID=3143 15 July 2025 ElectionsIreland.org In early 1992, he was one of six Workers' Party TDs to joined the new Democratic Left party, and contested the 1992 general election under that label. After a long count, Byrne lost his seat to Fianna Fáil's Ben Briscoe by five votes.Mullan Des 25 February 1993 Long Count Byrne ready to run again https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-long-count-byrne-ready-to/176704520/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 2 Fianna Fáil Initial speculation suggested that some potential Fianna Fáil candidates included the party's third candidate at the last election councillor Michael Mulcahy, thrice unsuccessful Dublin South candidate Ann Ormonde, councillor Seán Ardagh and previous TD for the constituency Mary Mooney.Howick Peter 26 February 1993 Candidates tussle for poll position https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-candidates-tussle-for-pol/176704644/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 10 Olympic gold medalist boxer Michael Carruth's name had been floated as a potential high-profile candidate, though Carruth's PR team denied knowledge of any approach to him.Sheils John 2 March 1993 Carruth's in line to be a poll knockout https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-carruths-in-line-to-be-a-poll/176705073/ 15 July 2025 The Star 9 In April 1993, it was reported that O'Connell's son, Dr. John O'Connell Jnr., was the most likely nominee, with Ardagh his closest challenger.8 April 1995 O'Connell favourite https://www.newspapers.com/article/irish-independent-oconnell-favourite/176705692/ 15 July 2025 Irish Independent 6 Nevertheless, Michael Mulcahy was selected as the party's candidate.Molony Senan 19 May 1994 Government double test https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-government-double-test/176707526/ 15 July 2025 The Star 4 Dublin Central TD Bertie Ahern was Mulcahy's director of elections.McCarthy Kerry 1 June 1994 BY-ELECTION SPECIAL REPORT: How the Dublin South Central seat will be won https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-by-election-special-repor/176707606/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 13 Fine Gael Speculated Fine Gael candidates included Norma Mitchell, wife of sitting TD for the constituency Gay Mitchell,12 March 1993 It's over to Norma! https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-its-over-to-norma/176705180/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 14 local councillor Stan Laing, former councillor from Rialto Peter Burke, Clondalkin councillor Therese Ridge and former Lord Mayor of Dublin Alexis FitzGerald Jnr.Howick Peter 6 April 1993 Tipp deputy alert over https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-tipp-deputy-alert-over/176705440/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 10 It was reported in April 1993 that former TD for Dún Laoghaire and women's rights activist Monica Barnes would be the front-runner for the nomination.7 April 1993 Barnes likely front runner https://www.newspapers.com/article/irish-independent-barnes-likely-front-ru/176705623/ 15 July 2025 Irish Independent 9 In January 1994, Young Fine Gael member Brian Hayes was selected as Fine Gael's candidate.30 March 1994 FG candidate for by-election https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-fg-candidate-for-by-elect/176707089/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 22 Labour Party Dublin City Councillor for Rathmines, Mary Freehill, had been suggested as a potential Labour Party candidate for the seat. There had been some suggestion that celebrity psychiatrist Anthony Clare would contest the election for Labour, but sitting TD for the constituency Pat Upton backed local councillor and founder of the Community Games, Joe Connolly.19 March 1993 Tony in the psychiatrist's seat? https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-tony-in-the-psychiatrist/176705282/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 10 Connolly was selected as the Labour candidate in June.11 June 1993 Labour picks veteran Joe https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-labour-picks-veteran-joe/176706564/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 18 Independents and others In August 1993, Eamonn Gavin stated he would stand as an independent candidate.17 August 1993 Gavin to stand https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-gavin-to-stand/176706648/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 58 The main witness in the controversial "Tallaght Two" case, Gavin said he would run as a "law and order" candidate.20 November 1993 Gavin runs for the Dail https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-gavin-runs-for-the-dail/176706775/ 15 July 2025 The Star 2 In April 1994, councillor Cáit Keane was selected as the Progressive Democrats' candidate for the election.25 April 1994 Cait to run for PDs https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-cait-to-run-for-pds/176707376/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 1 Three candidates from Crumlin ran; librarian John Goodwillie for the Green Party, student Martina Gibney for Sinn Féin and Dublin Corporation foreman Shay Kelly for the Workers' Party. Two other independents stood; businessman Michael Park from Kimmage and perennial candidate Benny Cooney from Athlone in County Westmeath.3 June 1994 Dáil By Election https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-dil-by-election/176708049/ 15 July 2025 The Star 10 Campaign From the get-go the by-election campaign was expected to be a bitter one, and a test of the incumbent government's approval.McGeehan Terry 26 February 1993 Battle lines drawn for doc's seat in Dáil https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-battle-lines-drawn-for-docs-se/176704933/ 15 July 2025 The Star 8 Following the raising of property taxes and cutting of tax reliefs in the 1994 budget, the government were expected to take a hit at the polls.Mullan Des 28 January 1994 Budget: 'Govt parties facing snub at polls' https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-budget-govt-parties-fac/176706887/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 3 Fianna Fáil pursued a vote-transfer agreement with their cabinet colleagues in Labour for the by-elections here and in Mayo West, though it was believed that Labour activists in the constituency were opposed to a formal vote arrangement.McKenna Gene 12 April 1993 FF vies for by-election vote transfer deal with Labour https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-ff-vies-for-by-election-v/176705834/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 8 Two days before the election, Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Dick Spring rejected calls for a voting pact between the two parties.Mullan Des 7 June 1994 Spring rejects a Euro-poll pact with FF https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-spring-rejects-a-euro-pol/176708169/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 38 Fine Gael candidate Brian Hayes was noted to have produced a leaflet with a picture Dick Spring with the caption "Tricky Dicky", asking "Would you buy a used car from this man?", an allusion to a poster regarding Richard Nixon during the 1960 United States presidential election.Howick Peter 2 June 1994 FG's 'new man' Hayes is up to very old tricks https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-fgs-new-man-hayes-is-u/176707844/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 24 During the campaign, independent candidate Eamonn Gavin called on a national referendum to be held on the legalisation of flogging for criminals.Phelan Bernard 7 June 1994 Sentences are too soft on our thugs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-sentences-are-too-soft-on-our-t/176708275/ 15 July 2025 The Star 12 Result Director of elections for the Fianna Fáil campaign, Bertie Ahern, conceded the election after the first count, saying that a vote pact between them and Labour may have changed the result.10 June 1994 Huge green vote in Euro poll https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-herald-huge-green-vote-in-euro-p/176708634/ 15 July 2025 Evening Herald 1 1994 Dublin South-Central by-electionGovernment of Ireland https://opac.oireachtas.ie/Data/Library3/Official%20Publications/pdf/28thDail_June1997.pdf#page=76 28th Dáil general election: June, 1997: election results and transfer of votes 1998 74 Stationery Office Government of IrelandElectionsIreland.org https://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=1992B&cons=103&ref=109 1994 Dublin South-Central 30 October 2010 8 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250708030813/https://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=1992B&cons=103&ref=109 liveDublin South-Central: 1994 by-election Ireland Election https://irelandelection.com/election.php?elecid=66&electype=2&constitid=22 23 April 2026 9 Eric Byrne Democratic Left (Ireland) 27.8 7,445 7,479 7,601 7,748 7,930 8,352 8,984 10,284 12,741 Michael Mulcahy Fianna Fáil 21.1 5,642 5,697 5,770 5,893 6,043 6,335 6,664 7,370 8,629 Brian Hayes Fine Gael 17.3 4,637 4,677 4,723 4,752 4,926 5,628 6,028 6,619   Joe Connolly Labour Party (Ireland) 9.9 2,643 2,664 2,743 2,824 2,904 3,062 3,417     Cáit Keane Progressive Democrats 7.0 1,881 1,912 1,939 1,955 2,095         John Goodwillie Green Party (Ireland) 6.5 1,752 1,809 1,904 2,138 2,332 2,579       Eamonn Gavin Independent politician (Ireland) 3.6 972 1,038 1,053 1,088           Martina Gibney Sinn Féin 2.9 781 800 859             Shay Kelly Workers' Party (Ireland) 2.2 595 618               Michael Park Independent politician (Ireland) 1.0 275                 Benny Cooney Independent politician (Ireland) 0.6 152                 9 62,300 26,775 13,388 43.0% Later careers Among the candidates were Senator and future TD Michael Mulcahy, Brian Hayes who would go on to serve as both a Minister of State and MEP, Dublin City Councillor Joe Connolly and South Dublin County Councillor and future Senator Cáit Keane. References Category:1994 in Irish politics 1994 Dublin South-Central by-election Category:27th Dáil Dublin South-Central 1994 Category:By-elections in County Dublin Category:June 1994 in Europe