All three incumbent TDs retained their seats in the Meath East constituency, with the additional fourth seat being appointed to an Independent candidate.

Outgoing Minister for Justice Helen McEntee topped the poll with 19 per cent of first-preference votes, and was elected in the fifth count.

She was followed by Sinn Féin’s Darren O’Rourke, who had more than 16 per cent of first preferences. Mr O’Rourke topped the poll in the 2020 election, but was elected in the 10th count this time.

Thomas Byrne was elected on the 13th and final count, as was Independent candidate Gillian Toole, who benefited from the constituency being upgraded from a three-seater to a four-seater.

Ms Toole, a first-time TD, has served as a councillor in the Ratoath electoral area and was elected without meeting the quota.

Fine Gael had hoped to reclaim a second seat in the constituency, which it lost in the 2020 election when Regina Doherty failed to retain her seat. However, McEntee’s running mate Sharon Tolan was eliminated in the final count.

Speaking about her election, Ms McEntee said Fine Gael ran a strong campaign, particularly in light of the number of high-profile TDs who did not seek re-election, and the results were “positive” for the party.