Defeated TD to seek Seanad nomination

Defeated Independent TD Paudge Connolly is to seek a nomination to run for the Seanad, it emerged today.

The Cavan/Monaghan candidate believes he can be a strong voice for reform of health services and other issues in the upper house of the Oireachtas.

The former psychiatric nurse had one of the highest profiles of his 13 Independent colleagues on the Opposition benches during the 29th Dáil.

But a surge in support for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in his constituency squeezed his 2002 vote during last weekend’s General Election.

The father-of-four will be one of 30 defeated TDs clearing out their offices in Leinster House this week.

He said: “I have accepted the decision of voters. That is the democratic process. But I believe I have something to offer in the Seanad.”

Mr Connolly needs the backing of four Oireachtas members to secure a nomination to one of five panels represented in the Seanad.

A total of 43 Senators are elected to represent the sectors of agriculture, labour, cultural and education, industry and commerce, administration,

The new Dáil meets on June 14 but Mr Connolly must secure the nomination before the June 22 deadline.