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Michael Healy-Rae tops Kerry poll in Election ‘24

The 2024 General Election proved to be another commanding performance for Michael Healy-Rae, who topped the poll with a staggering 18,596 first-preference votes.
This marks the third time the Kilgarvan TD has led the constituency since his initial run in 2011. Healy-Rae surpassed his 2020 result by 1,778 votes, dedicating his win to his supporters and team.
Sinn Féin’s Pa Daly secured the second seat, receiving 13,751 votes. Daly’s victory was solidified with transfers from his running mate, Stephanie O’Shea, which pushed him 668 votes over the quota.
Danny Healy-Rae also regained his seat, joining his brother Michael to re-establish the Healy-Rae family’s dominance in Kerry politics. Following the 11th count Danny took 13239 votes to exceed the quota. In his acceptance speech, he honoured his late father, the legendary Jackie Healy-Rae.
Fianna Fáil enjoyed a resounding success in Kerry, with both Minister Norma Foley and Cllr Michael Cahill claiming seats.
Minister Foley reached the quota on the 13th count with 13,654 votes.
Cahill secured the final seat with 10,932 votes, falling short of the quota but benefitting from key transfers.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael suffered a major blow, losing its long-held seat in Kerry. Billy O’Shea, who ran to replace outgoing TD Brendan Griffin, fell short with 10,175 votes—757 behind Michael Cahill. The campaign was marred by early controversies over O’Shea’s selection and failed to ignite the necessary support, particularly in key Mid Kerry areas.
Final Vote Breakdown:
- Michael Healy-Rae (Independent): 18,596 votes
- Pa Daly (Sinn Féin): 13,751 votes
- Norma Foley (Fianna Fáil): 13,654 votes
- Danny Healy-Rae (Independent): 13,239 votes
- Michael Cahill (Fianna Fáil): 10,932 votes