Main parties buoyed by Seanad outcome

THE main political parties are celebrating strong performances in the Seanad elections, which were completed yesterday.

Fine Gael’s strategy of using the Seanad elections as a platform for the next general election appeared to pay off, as 15 candidates in key constituencies secured seats. Party leader Enda Kenny said the addition of new faces and fresh talent would rejuvenate the party after a disappointing general election performance.

“Our public representatives across the country have applied their voting power in a strategic way that will see most if not all of these senators taking new Dáil seats at the next general election,” he said.