1996 Donegal North-East by-election

A by-election was held in the Dáil Éireann Donegal North-East constituency in Ireland on 2 April 1996. It followed the death of Independent Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) and former Minister Neil Blaney on 8 November 1995.

1996 Donegal North-East by-election

← 1992 general election 2 April 1996 1997 general election →
Turnout	(60.7%)
Nominee Cecilia Keaveney Harry Blaney Jim Sheridan Party Fianna Fáil Independent Fianna Fáil Fine Gael First preferences 9,872 8,943 5,679 Percentage 32.2% 29.2% 18.5% Final count 14,115 13,077 –   Nominee Seán Maloney Pat Doherty Party Labour Sinn Féin First preferences 3,791 2,340 Percentage 12.4% 7.6% Final count – –
TD before election Neil Blaney Independent Fianna Fáil Elected TD Cecilia Keaveney Fianna Fáil

The election was won by Donegal County Councillor Cecilia Keaveney of Fianna Fáil.

Among the candidates were Donegal County Councillor, brother of Neil Blaney, and future TD Harry Blaney, Senator and Donegal County Councillor Seán Maloney and Vice President of Sinn Féin and future Member of Parliament for West Tyrone Pat Doherty

On the same day, a by-election took place in Dublin West.

Result

1996 Donegal North-East by-election

Party		Candidate	FPv%	Count
				1	2	3	4
	Fianna Fáil	Cecilia Keaveney	32.2	9,872	10,351	11,454	14,115
	Independent Fianna Fáil	Harry Blaney	29.2	8,943	10,208	11,444	13,077
	Fine Gael	Jim Sheridan	18.5	5,679	5,813	6,861
	Labour	Seán Maloney	12.4	3,791	4,003
	Sinn Féin	Pat Doherty	7.6	2,340
Electorate: 50,443   Valid: 30,625   Quota: 15,313   Turnout: 60.7%

See also

• List of Dáil by-elections
• Dáil constituencies