Counting continues in Seanad election

Counting in the Seanad elections continues today in Leinster House.

Alex White of the Labour Party yesterday became the first candidate to be elected when he topped the poll in the Cultural and Education Panel with 161 votes.

A total of 149 candidates are vying to win 49 available Seanad seats. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also personally nominates 11 Senators.

With several Opposition voting pacts in operation, Fianna Fail is hoping to hold onto its majority in the 60-seat Upper House.

National University of Ireland voters can still cast their ballots up to 11am today.