'I ran as a protest' — Disability campaigner Dr Tom Clonan elected to Seanad

Dr Clonan beat psychologist Maureen Gaffney in the Trinity College panel by-election triggered by the election of Ivana Bacik to the Dáil last summer

Dr Clonan was ahead of Ms Gaffney by just 160 votes after the 16th count on Thursday evening, following a day of counting. Norma Burke /PA Wire

Newly elected Senator Dr Tom Clonan has admitted he did not think he would be elected, but he is now determined to maximise the opportunities to promote the causes with which he has been involved for over 20 years.

The former army officer and disability campaigner was announced as the winner of the election on Thursday night.