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

Two Cork candidates for the Seanad election are united in their criticism that the institution is undemocratic.

The deadline has passed for nominations to the vocational panels for the Seanad election.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald and the party's Ard Chomhairle met over the weekend and agreed on seven candidates who have been backed ahead of voting opening for the race later this month.

Former Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell has not been selected to contest the Seanad elections after party HQ ruled her out but backed others for the race for the upper house.

A former MEP, failed Dáil candidates and party councillors are in the running to be added to a list of nominees for the upcoming Seanad elections.

Campaigners for a new cross-border university for Derry and Donegal say they intend to keep the issue on the national agenda by running a candidate in the forthcoming Seanad Éireann elections.

Dr Conama, an Assistant Professor and Director of the Centre for Deaf Studies, has been a member of the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) since 1986.

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.

Senator Colette Kelleher has announced that she will outline a plan that she says will create "a fair Ireland" for members of the travelling community.

Gerard Craughwell thinks it would be a good way to recognise unsung heroes across the country doing important work.

NUI graduates across the country are being urged to claim their vote in Seanad Éireann elections.

Fine Gael's Anthony Lawlor has taken the second seat in the Seanad by-election today.

Former trade union leader David Begg has declared his intention to run in the Seanad elections.

Up to 800,000 Irish people living abroad could be allowed to vote in Seanad elections under new reform proposals.

Another Labour Senator is defying the party and is campaigning to save the Seanad.

Counting in the Seanad Election has ended after the fifth panel of Senators, the Administrative Panel, was filled late this afternoon.

Presidential hopeful David Norris has just been re-elected to Seanad Éireann.

Counting of votes cast in the Seanad election is due to resume at around 10am this morning.

Fianna Fáil have rallied in the Seanad elections, winning two seats in the last hour.

Fine Gael's Deirdre Clune has been announced as the first successful candidate elected to the Seanad.

Fine Gael Dublin Councillor Jim O'Dea has been eliminated after the first count at the Seanad elections.

Fine Gael TDs and Senators have endorsed Enda Kenny's surprise proposal to abolish the Seanad if the party is elected to Government.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, could name his 11 nominations for the Seanad as early as today.

The Government’s majority in the Seanad was restored today after all 49 elected seats were filled.

Fianna Fáil has picked up four more Seanad seats this morning in the industrial and commercial panel.

The counting of votes in the Seanad election resumes this morning, with 13 seats still to fill on the vocational panels.

The Labour Party is celebrating Seanad success this morning after picking up a new seat in the labour panel election.

Fianna Fáil has picked up three more seats in the agriculture panel of the Seanad elections today.

Fianna Fáil Senator Pat Moylan has been re-elected to the Seanad this afternoon.

Progressive Democrats leader Mary Harney has appointed an internal advisory group to recommend who her nominees to the Seanad should be.

Sinn Féin has made history by winning a seat in the Seanad for the first time.

Counting in the Seanad elections continues today in Leinster House.