"When The Monk ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 general election, there was genuine fear within the political system that the man the Special Criminal Court found was recognised as the 'figurehead' and 'patriarchal figure of the HOCG [Hutch Organised Crime Group]' could take a Dáil seat, with Mr Hutch tapping into a wider disenchantment among the electorate."
Gerry Hutch, known as 'The Monk' and identified by the Special Criminal Court as the figurehead of an organized crime group, is running in the Dublin Central by-election. Government officials suggest he may have overextended himself by entering the race. The Taoiseach criticized media coverage as an 'obsession' with Hutch's candidacy. His previous unsuccessful 2024 general election campaign generated significant concern within the political system, as officials feared his ability to capitalize on voter disenchantment could result in securing a Dáil seat despite his criminal background.
#irish-politics #organized-crime #election-campaign #dublin-central-by-election #political-controversy
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