A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.

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A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.

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Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.

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As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.

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So, what does it all mean?

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Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.

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Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?

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Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?

And are the Greens back in business?

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It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.

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