83-Year-Old Cabra Resident Shifts from Fianna Fáil to Sinn Féin for May 22nd Dublin Central By-election

Ellen Byas, 83, from Cabra, north Dublin, plans to vote for Sinn Féin in the Dublin Central by-election on May 22nd, marking her first time not supporting Fianna Fáil. Despite being raised in the same suburb as Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Byas has always voted for Fianna Fáil, but now seeks an alternative to the Government parties due to the cost-of-living crisis.

A widow and former cleaning supervisor at Garda headquarters for 39 years, Byas states she can no longer cope with rising expenses. She recently received a gas bill over €600 for two months and highlights Ireland's high electricity prices. Her family, burdened by high mortgages, cannot assist her. Byas, who has never claimed social welfare beyond her pension, expressed her struggles at a Friends of the Elderly social club meeting on Bolton Street.

Other older voters in Dublin Central share similar anti-Government sentiments. Lottie Gannon, 91, also from Cabra and a traditional Fianna Fáil voter, is now leaning towards Sinn Féin, praising Mary Lou McDonald's communication skills. Kathleen, an octogenarian former seamstress in Phibsborough, is undecided, citing rising costs and the inadequacy of pension increases against rent hikes. Gerard Petit De Mange, 62, a musician from Cabra and a consistent Sinn Féin voter, is considering an Independent candidate, Gerard Hutch, due to dissatisfaction with the Government's handling of the cost-of-living crisis.

Monica Finnerty, 77, from Dorset Street, will vote for Fine Gael's Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, whom she finds personable and engaged, despite usually voting for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and never having supported Sinn Féin. Dublin Central, a diverse constituency encompassing areas like Cabra and Phibsborough, saw a 52% turnout in the 2024 general election and 15% spoiled ballots in last year's presidential election.