Seanad majority restored

The Government’s majority in the Seanad was restored today after all 49 elected seats were filled.

Fianna Fáil has 22 Senators in the 60-seat Upper House but Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can personally nominate 11 further office holders in coming days.

Two Green Party and two Progressive Democrats members are expected to be among those chosen.

After a four-day count, Fine Gael ended up with 14 seats while Labour won six. Sinn Féin achieved its first-ever seat after a voting pact with Labour. Six Independents were also successful.

The Senators will begin their new term in Leinster House in September.