Independent candidate Gerard Hutch, known as ‘The Monk,’ is projected to secure a seat in Dublin Central with approximately 9% of the first preference votes, competing closely with Labour’s Marie Sherlock. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald leads with 20%, while Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe and Social Democrats’ Gary Gannon follow. The final seat is likely to hinge on transfer votes, with Hutch receiving significant support from eliminated candidates. Notably, Hutch was previously acquitted of a murder charge linked to a gang feud.