Fine Gael take a big hit.
James Reilly, who preceded Leo Varadkar as Ireland’s Minister for Health before becoming Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2014, has lost his seat.
The outgoing Fine Gael TD had polled poorly since election day and many expected him to relinquish his seat – which he has done in the last few moments, losing out to Louise O’Reilly of Sinn Féin.
Reilly had also been serving as Fine Gael’s deputy leader, a position he will also lose in what has been a disastrous campaign for both him individually and his party.
By the 9th count, O’Reilly was 2,000 votes ahead – giving her clear daylight and confirming her win.
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