Seanad nominations for inside candidates closed yesterday with a number of failed election candidates given a second chance at public office by their parties.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are set to add numbers to the Seanad election race from candidates who lost their Dáil seats.

The count in Wexford has completed with the election of Independent Verona Murphy on the eleventh count.

The Green Party’s general election candidate for the Wexford constituency has pulled out of the race.

A small number of bellwether constituencies could be highly significant in the battle for top spot between Fiann Fáil and Fine Gael, says Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe.

“I want to also improve mental health services for Wexford, this county needs a University and we absolutely need to improve the supply of housing through the current planning network”.

Former Fine Gael by-election Verona Murphy is to announce on Tuesday whether she will run as an Independent candidate in Wexford in the upcoming General Election.

Micheál Martin has said he will remain on as Fianna Fáil party leader after the next general election even if he does not become taoiseach.

Verona Murphy has signalled that she may run as an Independent candidate in Wexford in the general election after being dropped by Fine Gael.

Fine Gael is preparing to dump Verona Murphy as a general election candidate following her “disastrous” campaign in Wexford.

Verona Murphy performed well in the by-election, with no mass voter boycott of her after controversial migrant remarks, says political correspondent Elaine Loughlin.

The Government suffered a blow after failing to win any seats in four byelections yesterday, while Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party celebrated their victories.

The Government has suffered a blow after failing to win any seats in four byelections which could provide clues before the whole country goes to the polls next year.

Fianna Fáil's Malcolm Byrne has said there is no place for racism in politics after being elected in the Wexford by-election.

Latest 7.20pm: Verona Murphy has been eliminated from the Wexford By-election.

With business exceedingly slow at polling stations yesterday, it is clear the four by-elections have not captured the public’s imagination.

Mick Wallace was known as a straight talker in the Dáil and it will be a straight shootout between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to replace him.

Fine Gael's by-election candidate in Wexford, Verona Murphy has apologised after she said some asylum seekers coming to Ireland have to be "de-programmed" as they carry angst and may have been "infiltrated by ISIS".

The newest member of the Seanad has promised to represent farmers who want a new vision for agriculture in Ireland that is in tune with the environment and biodiversity.

Four by-elections to fill Dáil seats left empty as a result of the European elections could take place on the same day in a "Super Friday" style election day as soon as the first half of November.

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher has vowed to act as a strong voice on Brexit after becoming the second elected MEP in the Ireland South constituency.

A dogfight to the last is expected in Ireland South with three seats yet to be filled.

Fine Gael's Deirdre Clune has made an incredible comeback in the Ireland South constituency and is now in contention to take the fourth seat.

The race for seats in Ireland South has heated up as Labour candidate Shelia Nunan and Fine Gael's Andrew Doyle have both been eliminated in the 15th count.

Fianna Fail TD Billy Kelleher described himself as "elated, honoured and humbled" after being elected to the European Parliament.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is still holding onto the hope of winning two European seats in the Ireland South constituency as the marathon count continues.

Another day of drama is expected in the Ireland South count today, as Seán Kelly became the first MEP elected in the constituency.

The Irish people can no longer be bought with their own money. That’s a “take-away” from last Friday’s poll.

All four European parliament seats have been filled in Dublin but counting continues in South and Midlands-North West.

Independents 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace continues to be the surprise story of the Ireland South vote.

Dublin's four new MEP seats have finally been decided, after three days of counting.

Cork North-Central TD Billy Kelleher has admitted he is in a “good position” after polling in second place in the first count in Ireland South, but says it is “far too early” to be certain of securing a seat.

Fine Gael's Sean Kelly has topped the poll in the first count for the European elections in the Ireland South constituency.

Ireland South MEP candidate Malcolm Byrne has played down any suggestions of an internal rift in the party between him and running mate Billy Kelleher.

Sean Kelly is set to become the first MEP elected in Ireland South later today.

Ireland South candidate Mick Wallace insists that the nerves aren't getting to him despite facing a tough fight to secure a seat in Europe.