Poll brings more political dynasties to Dáil
It could be the first time in almost half a century that a TD from the O’Malley dynasty will not be in the Dáil, while other political families prospered in the General Election.
Outgoing Progressive Democrat TDs Fiona O’Malley and her second cousin, Tim O’Malley look to be in trouble in their respective constituencies after first counts.
Ms O’Malley polled just 6.5% of the vote in Dun Laoghaire and Minister of State Mr O’Malley is being squeezed by a strong Fianna Fáil surge in Limerick East.
In 2002, Mr O’Malley took over the seat held in the Mid West constituency by his first cousin Des since 1969.
Des first won the seat in a by-election for Fianna Fáil in 1969 after the death of his uncle, Donogh O’Malley.
The former Minister for Education was elected to the Dáil in 1954.
Des O’Malley, who founded the PDs in 1985, helped his daughter canvass in her constituency in recent weeks.
Meanwhile the Lenihan brothers, Brian and Conor were among the first batch of Fianna Fáil TDs elected, in Dublin West and Dublin South West respectively.
Fine Gael TD Olwyn Enright and her husband Senator Joe McHugh look set to be the first married duo to sit in the Dáil. Ms Enright carries on the political tradition in Laois/Offaly of her father, former TD Tom Enright.
First-time TD Chris Andrews and his cousin Barry Andrews were also successful in Dublin South East and Dun Laoghaire respectively.
Niall Collins was elected in Limerick West in his debut General Election to follow in the footsteps of two uncles, former Minister Gerry and Michael and grandfather John J Collins.
