RTÉ sports journalist Evanne Ní Chuilinn is to become a Fine Gael senator

In a surprise announcement, Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ms Ní Chuilinn would be a 'fantastic addition' to the Fine Gael team

RTÉ sports broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn is to become a Fine Gael senator. Photograph Moya Nolan

Fri, 07 Feb, 2025 - 18:18

Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter

RTÉ sports journalist Evanne Ní Chuilinn is to become a Fine Gael senator, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveiled his 11 Seanad nominees.

In a surprise announcement on Friday, Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed the appointment, saying that Ms Ní Chuilinn would be a “fantastic addition” to the Fine Gael team.

“Evanne embodies the core Fine Gael value of equality of opportunity. I know she will work hard to bring her experience and energy to her work in the Seanad and to the communities she serves,” Mr Harris said.

Ms Ní Chuilinn said that she had a “varied and exciting life in sports broadcasting”, but was now looking forward to being an advocate for issues that she was passionate about, including women in sport and the Irish language.

“I have spoken publicly on private matters such as suicide, mental health, women's health and infertility. These are issues which I know impact so many people across the country and I want, where I can, to be an advocate for them,” Ms Ní Chuilinn said.

In a statement, RTÉ said that they wanted to wish Ms Ní Chuilinn the “very best of luck as she takes on a new and different challenge”.

Fianna Fáil has received six senators, while Fine Gael has received five.

In Cork, Fine Gael councillor Noel O’Donovan has been appointed as a senator, having lost out on a seat in Cork South-Central in the general election.

The Taoiseach is set to advise President Michael D Higgins that the first meeting of the new Seanad should be on Wednesday, February 12.

The new Fianna Fáil senators are: