Ireland's center-right Fine Gael party and the Social Democrats, a small center-left party, won two by-elections held in the country on Sunday, while a candidate linked to a notorious criminal family once again failed to win a seat.
These results represent a setback for Sinn Féin, the main left-wing nationalist party, which had hoped to gain ground in the Dublin Central constituency, currently represented by its leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Fine Gael thus retains its political influence despite the difficulties encountered by the governing coalition on issues such as housing, the cost of living and public services.
For their part, the social democrats continue their electoral progress and strengthen their presence in the Irish political landscape, benefiting from growing support among urban voters and young people.
The election was also marked by the high-profile candidacy of a man presented as the alleged head of a notorious Irish crime family. Having already lost in previous elections, he once again failed to secure enough votes to win a seat.
These by-elections were closely watched as a political test ahead of the next national elections, as the main parties try to consolidate their position in a political landscape that has become more fragmented in recent years.
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