New Faces and Veterans Win in Irish Elections

David Maxwell, a Fine Gael councillor from Monaghan, maintains an undefeated election record since 2004, while also serving as Cathaoirleach and engaging actively in the arts and education sectors. Emer Higgins, a Fine Gael representative from Rathcoole, holds experience in local governance and narrowly missed a Dáil seat before succeeding in Dublin Mid-West in 2020. Brian Stanley, a former Sinn Féin TD, retained his seat as an Independent in Laois after leaving the party amid disputes. Grace Boland, a lawyer and daughter of a former Fine Gael TD, secured a seat in Fingal West, continuing her family's political legacy. James Geoghegan, a barrister, became the first Fine Gael TD in Dublin Bay South since 2021, while Willie Aird, a long-serving council member, finally won a seat in the Dáil after 45 years in politics. Fianna Fáil's Seán Fleming and Cormac Devlin retained their seats, with Fleming focusing on foreign affairs and Devlin known for his strong constituency work.