Final two candidates elected to Seanad before Taoiseach makes 11 appointments

The recent election for the Administrative panel in the 27th Seanad concluded with the election of 49 Senators, including Sinn Féin's Nicole Ryan, elected on the 13th count. Ultimately, Fiona O'Loughlin and Diarmuid Wilson from Fianna Fáil were also elected. Darragh Moriarty of Labour missed the final seat. The Taoiseach is set to make 11 appointments, focusing on gender balance, as controversies arise in the Cabinet. Of the elected Senators, 20 are women, and Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy speaks on aspirations for Irish reunification despite recent negative prospects.

"Sinn Féin candidate Conor Murphy has spoken of 'achieving reunification' after his election to the Seanad. Mr Murphy... takes up his new lower-profile job as 'the island prepares and plans for constitutional change.'"

"The direct appointments are expected to comprise six Fianna Fáilers and five Fine Gaelers, many of whom will be disappointed general election and Senate candidates."

Read at Irish Independent