Meath by-election, 2005

Meath by-election, 2005

← 2002 11 March 2005 2007 →
Turnout	50,183 (41.5%)
Nominee Shane McEntee Shane Cassells Dominic Hannigan Party Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Labour Party First preferences 16,964 16,117 5,567 Percentage 34.1 32.4 11.2 Final count 24,047 21,178 –   Nominee Joe Reilly Sirena Campbell Fergal O'Byrne Party Sinn Féin Progressive Democrats Green Party First preferences 6,087 2,679 1,590 Percentage 12.3 5.4 3.2 Final count – – –
Meath shown within Ireland
TD before election John Bruton Fine Gael Elected TD Shane McEntee Fine Gael

John Bruton
Fine Gael

Shane McEntee
Fine Gael

On 31 October 2004, the Teachta Dála (TD) for Meath, John Bruton, officially resigned as a member of Dáil Éireann to take up his new position as European Union Ambassador to the United States. His resignation resulted in the need for a by-election. As Bruton was a Fine Gael member, that party had the responsibility of deciding when the by-election should take place.

Tommy Reilly, the original Fianna Fáil candidate, was forced to stand down due to some land rezoning.

On 15 February 2005 the campaign began in earnest when it was announced that polling would take place on 11 March. Seven candidates contested the vacant seat, with victory going to the Fine Gael candidate, Shane McEntee.

On the same day, a by-election took place in Kildare North.