Four candidates vying for seat in Seanad by-election

Fianna Fáil is not fielding a candidate and is expected to back Fine Gael candidate

The Seanad vacancy arose on the Cultural and Educational panel following the election of Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne to the Dáil in the Galway West by-election.

There will be four candidates in the upcoming Seanad by-election following the close of nominations.

The vacancy arose on the Cultural and Educational panel following the election of Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne to the Dáil in the Galway West by-election.

Fine Gael’s Ray McAdam, the former Lord Mayor of Dublin and a current Dublin City councillor, will seek to hold the seat for the party in the Upper House. 

He is also expected to have the support of Fianna Fáil, which is not fielding a candidate.

Maeve O’Rourke, an academic and mother and baby home campaigner, received backing by both the Labour Party and the Social Democrats on Friday.

As a human rights lawyer and university lecturer, Ms O'Rourke, who is the daughter of former RTÉ broadcaster Sean O'Rourke and is married to Labour TD Ciarán Ahern, has worked for nearly two decades with people affected by institutional and family separation issues.

Caitlin Ní Bhroin, meanwhile, is an Irish language advocate, community worker, and language planning officer at Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga.

The fourth candidate is Patrick Paul Walsh, who works in the school of politics and international relations in UCD.

Ballot papers will be issued on Friday, October 23, and the polls will close at 11am on Friday, November 6.

• Louise Burne Political Correspondent