Main parties buoyed by Seanad outcome
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.
However, former Fine Gael deputies Deirdre Clune and Frances Fitzgerald were unsuccessful, and outgoing senators Helen Keogh and Mary Jackman lost their seats.
Fianna Fáil also emerged victorious with 24 directly elected seats, an increase of one over the last election and including a number of strong young deputies. But the party was disappointed that former junior minister Dr Tom Moffatt was among those who failed to take a seat.
Labour increased their representation from three to five with the election of Kathleen O’Meara, Derek McDowell, Brendan Ryan, Joanna Tuffy and Michael McCarthy.
Labour leader Ruairí Quinn said the results were a tremendous boost for the party. Labour is confident that all of its five senators will be strong contenders for seats in the next general election.
The Taoiseach will nominate 11 senators in August, four of which will be Progressive Democrats, following a deal reached in Government negotiations. Disability groups have called for the Taoiseach to nominate campaigner Kathy Sinnott, who narrowly missed a seat, as one of his 11 appointees.
