2005 Meath by-election

← 2002 general election 11 March 2005 2007 general election →
Turnout	50,183 (41.5%)
Nominee Shane McEntee Shane Cassells Dominic Hannigan Party Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Labour First preferences 16,964 16,117 5,567 Percentage 34.1% 32.4% 11.2% Final count 24,047 21,178 –
Meath shown within Ireland
TD before election John Bruton Fine Gael Elected TD Shane McEntee Fine Gael

A by-election was held in the Dáil constituency of Meath in Ireland on Friday, 11 March 2005. It followed the resignation of Fine Gael Teachta Dála (TD) John Bruton on 31 October 2004 to take up his new position as European Union Ambassador to the United States.

Tommy Reilly, the original Fianna Fáil candidate, was forced to stand aside due to some land rezoning issues.^[1]

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.^[2]

The 2005 Kildare North by-election took place on the same day. Both were the final occasions which the Progressive Democrats contested by-elections.

Meath was divided at the 2007 general election. McEntee was elected for Meath East.