Seanad losses for Fine Gael

Fine Gael has been dealt a further blow after high- profile candidates failed to get elected to the Seanad.

Outgoing senator Michael Comiskey and Anthony Lawlor and Noel Coonan — who both failed to retain their Dáil positions — missed out on Seanad seats in another significant setback for Enda Kenny’s party.

The Cultural and Education panel and the Agriculture panel have been filled, while counting began on the Labour panel last night.