Main PointsThe Galway West byelection count has moved into a second day, with a tight contest emerging between the top two candidatesCounting resumed at 9am In Dublin Central, Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats was elected in the early hours of Sunday morningLabour’s Helen Ogbu was the leading left-wing candidate, taking third place with 5,462 votesFine Gael believes its candidate will take the seat, but Independent Ireland remains ahead after the fourth countKey PiecesGalway West byelection results in fullAs it happened: The first day of Galway West count Analysis: Helen Ogbu’s transfers may end up being decisiveInside Politics podcast: A bad day for the big partiesSarah Burns - 6 minutes agoThomas says it looks like Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne might beat him at the postIndependent Ireland’s Noel Thomas has told the Connacht Tribune that it looks like he will not make it, despite having a lead of 1,800 votes over Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne at the moment. “I keep on praying”, he has said but added that “transfers will not go my way”.Independent Ireland candidate Noel Thomas (left) with Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins, at the count centre in Galway. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire Sarah Burns - 12 minutes agoSocial Democrats’ leader Holly Cairns says strong showing of Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich showed voters looking for an alternative. Asked if Sean Kyne prospective victory might counter that she replied that name recognition played a big part in outcome of Galway West. @irishtimes pic.twitter.com/tojNMKel88— Harry McGee (@harrymcgee) May 24, 2026