Gang Leader Gerry Hutch Narrowly Loses Dublin Election Bid

Gerry Hutch, a controversial figure linked to gangland violence, fell short of securing a parliamentary seat in Dublin Central after a dramatic vote count.

Gerry Hutch, nicknamed 'The Monk,' surprised many by securing significant support in the Dublin Central election, garnering over 5,300 votes.
Hutch, a well-known gangland figure and millionaire, ran a populist campaign focused on housing and immigration issues, resonating with some working-class voters.
Ireland's proportional representation voting system allowed Hutch to remain competitive through multiple counting rounds, but he ultimately lost by 781 votes to Labour Party candidate Marie Sherlock.
Sherlock attributed her victory to a rejection of Hutch by voters from eliminated candidates, particularly those from government-affiliated parties, in the final rounds of transfers.
Hutch's campaign and near-success have sparked discussions on political disillusionment, with many seeing his support as a protest against Ireland's housing crisis and government policies.