Ray McAdam to Run in Dublin Central By-Election | Fine Gael

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, has been selected as Fine Gael’s candidate for the upcoming Dublin Central by-election, the party announced Monday evening. The contest was triggered by the resignation of Paschal Donohoe, who stepped down from his position as Minister for Finance and a Teachta Dála (TD) last November to take up a senior role with the World Bank.

McAdam’s selection took place at a convention held at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin city. He was the sole nominee for the position, signaling a clear expectation within the party for his candidacy. He has served as a member of Dublin City Council since 2009, and previously held the position of leader of Fine Gael on the authority. In the 2024 local elections, he topped the poll in his electoral area, demonstrating significant local support.

“For 17 years, I have had the privilege of serving communities across this constituency as a local councillor, and as Lord Mayor, I have sought to stand up for a Dublin that is ambitious, inclusive, safe and open to all,” McAdam said following his selection. “Now I want to bring that same record of delivery, that same energy, and that same belief in the potential of our capital city to Dáil Éireann.”

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris voiced his support for McAdam, stating he “will make an excellent TD in Dáil Éireann” and expressing his intention to campaign alongside him in Dublin Central. Harris highlighted McAdam’s long-standing commitment to the constituency, noting his dedication to delivering for local constituents as both a councillor and Lord Mayor.

The Dublin Central by-election is expected to be held in May, coinciding with another by-election in Galway West. Several other candidates have already declared their intention to contest the seat, including Green Party Councillor Janet Horner, Councillor Daniel Ennis representing the Social Democrats, and Sinn Féín Councillor Janice Boylan. Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin will run for People Before Profit-Solidarity, while Ian Noel Smyth is the Aontú candidate. Notably, Gerry Hutch, known as ‘The Monk,’ and Councillor Malachy Steenson have also announced their intention to run.

Donohoe’s departure for the World Bank saw him appointed as Managing Director of Operations, a significant promotion from his previous role as chief knowledge officer at the Washington-based agency. World Bank rules reportedly prevent Donohoe from actively assisting Fine Gael in the by-election to replace him, a restriction designed to maintain the institution’s political neutrality.