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LAST UPDATE | 3 Apr 2020
ALL THE SEATS have now been filled in the 26th Seanad.
Counting concluded at Dublin Castle shortly after 9.30pm with the final two seats on the Administrative Panel decided.
Fianna Fáil Senators Diarmuid Wilson and Mark Daly have both been re-elected today with former Fianna Fáil TD Fiona O’Loughlin also elected.
Earlier, former TD Noel Rock and former Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee failed to be elected.
In total, the Seanad is made up of 60 seats, the breakdown of which are:
The six university seats have now been filled, as have all the seats in four of the five Vocational Panels.
Outgoing Senators, councillors across the country and incoming TDs are eligible to vote for the nominees on the vocational panels.
The identities of who will be among the 11 Taoiseach nominees is as yet unclear with the process of government formation ongoing. Those 11 senators will complete the lineup in the Seanad.
Here’s who has been elected so far:
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No vote for peasants in this utterly undemocratic retirement home for rejected and failed politicians ….
@Willy Mc Entire: the ‘peasants’ were given their opportunity to abolish this ‘undemocratic retirement home’…… and for some crazy unknown reason we decided to keep it…. ridiculous.
No point complaining now.
@Dec: Many pheasants voted to abolish this spongers club. So their gripe is still valid.
@Martin Scaldbag: when was the vote extended to them? They shouldn’t really have a say
@Willy Mc Entire: too right they’d only vote for fools
@Willy Mc Entire: you do realise your crowd have won seats in the Senate?
@Willy Mc Entire:
You keep saying this, but assuming you voted in the general or council elections, you voted for the people who voted for the senators. What’s your issue? If you don’t like who your public representative voted for talk to them.
Democracy doesn’t mean individuals get to vote for everything. We vote for TD and councillors to represent us.
@Martin Scaldbag: that’s very unfsir. It should be extended to ducks and geese.
@Willy Mc Entire: David Norris has arguably contributed more to Irish politics since he was elected in 1987 than most TDs in the Dail have.
Lynn Ruane still young at 35 now on her second term has contributed to excellently on the Joint Oireactas Committe on the Eighth Ammendent. A single mother at 15 left school returned to full time education in 2012 to be elected to the Seanad is a role model in my opinion to any disadvantaged (peasant) in this country.
Just two examples of Senator that would not be described as failed or retired Politicians
I certainly would not call their election to the Seanad as undemocratic when they are elected by University Graduates of which anyone in this country can achieve including so called ‘Peasants’ if they apply themselves.
Thankfully in my opinion the word peasant should only be used a historical context in relation to people from this country.
@Paul O’Sullivan: Norris’ support for a pro-pedophile organization in the 1980s called the Paedophile Information Exchange. Norris was a founding member of the International Gay Association in the 1980s and passed two motions.
“One called for the abolition of the age of consent, whilst the second called for an international solidarity campaign on behalf of the Paedophile Information Exchange.
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/further-revelations-over-david-norris-views-on-underage-sex-127263293-237404901
@JimmyMc: that website is pro Catholic and homophobic based in north Ametica, that has twisted the words of David Norris to persuade gullible people like you.
I’m glad’ normal intelligent people dont rely on this website for facts.. it is nothing but propaganda that you in particular are vulnerable too. Poor you .
As to the character reference he wrote he is quite entitled to write for a friend in trouble in relation to a legal matter. It was reference on a personal matter. It is not illegal or wrong to write a character reference for anyone.
In relation to the age of consent that website is totally taking his proposals out of context. If you want to do some proper research why done you read the Seansd Debates online of which you are free to do and read the full account of David Norris proposed rather than a propagandist website
@Martin Scaldbag: Don’t be making game of it boy;
@Paul O’Sullivan: will this website do you
https://www.thejournal.ie/liveline-to-play-tape-of-david-norris-interview-with-helen-lucy-burke-259994-Oct2011/
@JimmyMc: and what is the point of you’re argument, so an academic discussion on ‘Classical Paedophilla’ by between a Journalist and a Pdofessor of Literature and the Classics is immoral now ?
What is the point you are trying to make ?
He is elected by people who are educated
Did you have a vote? Are you capable of academic discussion ? Or is it beneath you..? Or are taboo subjects not to be discussed anymore?
@Dec: We need a second house for Dáil oversight and voted with the underlying promise of reform but, well, Enda…
@Paul O’Sullivan: I think he was talking about Pheasants. There is a bit of fowl play going on here.
@Willy Mc Entire: Pheasant Pluckers
@Paul O’Sullivan: nothing wrong with a website being pro catholic. Cant see any homophobic stuff on there but perhaps you have a link. As you say david norris is entitled to write a letter in support of anyone. However when its a letter supporting his friend who has committed statutory rape its a different matter. criticism of any politician no matter the politicians race, sexuality, gender or religious beliefs is warranted in such a matter.
@Willy Mc Entire: David Norris is not a failed politician. Always working tirelessly on some cause or other it would seem.
@Willy Mc Entire: Says the man with the log on his shoulder.
@Dec: Yes we are entitled to complain
And call for another vote
It’s our democratic right
@Chin Feeyin: you do know the Senate is in Washington DC. This election was for the Seanad
@Willy Mc Entire: And here I was thinking there were more important things going on in the country.
@Dec: it was a spiteful kick back at the Govt at the time. Missed opportunity. Anybody who thinks it should be kept should watch Oireachtas Report.
@Willy Mc Entire: Will the money be there to pay the leeches
@Willy Mc Entire: if you didn’t go to university, then why should you be allowed to vote? Common sense!
@Willy Mc Entire: €62k per annum!!! And many of them have the neck to lecture the rest of us on equality. Take Ivana Bacik for example, she chaired (extra money) the commemoration for women getting the vote 100 years ago, yet many women don’t have a vote in the Seanad elections. Bacik double jobs as a professor in Trinity, a position set up to honour Contrary Robinson (another one who knows how to rake in the cash while lecturing the peasants). McDowell works as Senior Counsel and no doubt draws down pensions from his TD and minister days. How many will go onto the Covid 19 payment of €350pw? None!
How is Ivana Bacik still there, rejected by the general electorate on multiple occasions, even Eamon Gilmore couldn’t pull her across the line in the 2011 general election with his huge support. Talk about stealing a living and I’m sure there is many more.
@Éamann Ó Duinn: She’s there as of right having been elected. You probably cant take young articulate woman politicians.
Maybe make you feel inferior.
@David Glynn: Gender is nothing got to do with it, I feel the exact same way about James Reilly campaigning to abolish the Seanad then fails to get elected to the Dail but happily takes a seat in the Seanad.
@Éamann Ó Duinn:
Reilly wasn’t elected. Bacik was.
It’s completely different.
@Seán Troy: But not the general electorate, just Trinity.
@Éamann Ó Duinn: She may not make it as a TD but she certainly shines as a Senator.
@Éamann Ó Duinn:
The general electorate has never voted for anyone, just their constituency.
@Éamann Ó Duinn: Ivana ran for the Dail once. Not multiple times. It’s her right to run for election.Get your facts right before spouting your Trot stuff.
@Ciaran O’Mara: thankfully she chose to keep doing this senator junket which is assigned with her skillset. Imagine if politicians rejected by the electorate were parachuted into jobs that took a fortune of asthma and cancer charities. Eek.
@Éamann Ó Duinn: she doesn’t need to steal a living she is a highly educated person who could make far more money in the private sector
@Brynþór Patrekursson: I think you’re referring to Averill Power there who doubled the income of the charities she was successfully recruited to after her Seanad stint meaning better services provided to asthma and cancer sufferers in this country. Can’t see where the problem is tbh.
@Vikki Brennan: my apologies, I didn’t realise you were a fan. By double the income, I think you mean almost 10m less than 5 years ago, and reduced expediture on cancer programs by 8m with increased media and consultancy spend. Complimented by almost €180k of charitable funds to employ her. Listen, charities were found out years ago and paying funds to a CEO for access to politicians and media is exactly why people think this senate election is a sham.
@Brynþór Patrekursson: I suppose I am a fan as it happens, I think she’s a clever articulate woman from a working class background who has been very successful in life. Not sure if we’re comparing like for like stats here but the while fundraising activities at ICS is up since AP joined, expenditure on fundraising is down and overall income is up. I’d agree with you that there are plenty of charities misspending funds and overpaying people but I don’t think these two charities are good examples of that. I think there are plenty of sitting and former senators who are complete chances but I really don’t think AP is one of them. Maybe we’ll agree to differ there ;)
@David Glynn: time to burn yer Bra
Eugh. Ronan Mullen. Eugh.
@Dearbhla O Reilly: I know right!
@Dearbhla O Reilly:
Ireland: “Lets embrace the 21st century.”
Ronan Mullen: “Ah no, lads let’s not. The 21st century isn’t in the bible.”
@Dearbhla O Reilly: delighted that Ronan was elected!!!!
@Dearbhla O Reilly: the “be kind” movement didn’t last long.
@Dearbhla O Reilly: he is a dose and living in the dark ages..
Congratulations and welcome back Mr Mullen YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU.
@Patrick O’Riordan: to p i s s off. (there I finished it for you)
@Patrick O’Riordan: For what?
Lovin’ the Norris
@Sean Lynch: 33 years there and counting
Not Ruth Coppinger
@Hugh: That’s a bit of an odd one, when the vote was held she called on people to use their vote to abolish it. She then loses her TD seat and then decides to run for the senate.
@Hugh: delighted!!!
@Jason Ebbs: a few of them that got elected did that also.
NUI what have you been smoking
The percentages of the representatives for each party in the Seanad do not exactly represent the vote in the recent general election. Inflated representation for FG, FF and Labour. Reduced representation for SF, left wing parties and rural Independents. Elitism reigns.
@Joe Nolan: eh hello? this is a different election with a different electorate as detailed by the constitution. It does not have to reflect any other election or poll.
@SFAnkleTapper:
Elitism still reigns….what part of that is so difficult to understand?
@Joe Nolan: they are elected by councillors. SF got hammered in the last locals
The Higgins family doing well out of the public purse. Michael D absolutely assured us he’d be a one term President, daughter Alice roundly rejected in the Euro Elections.
I’m surprised us common tax payers are even privy to the result.
When are we ever gonna get rid of this seanad? Waste of time and money! TDs who lose or dont get seats! The public need to vote AGAIN to get rid
@Tom Dineen: No, it needs to be reformed and opened up to all the electorate, not the select few. It might also be an idea to have its election separate to the election of a new Dail. Have it run for a fixed 5 year stint with the election held at the same time as the european and local elections to save on cost.
The Boylan/O’Broin household is back in the money.
Money for nothing
I really hope that racist & bigot Clifford-lee doesn’t get in, the electorate already gave her their answer in GE2020.
Finna Fail still see fit to put forward a bigot after the electorate said NO!!
Congratulations and welcome back Mr Mullen YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Wonder will Leo nominate the the lady. from Travelling Community as one of his nominees??? They should have a voice, Over to you Leo☘️
@Jimmy Reed: he can’t nominate anybody he’s only acting taoiseach until a new government is formed
@Ray Mooney: He is one Hell of an Actor, Silver Screen Hero.
The rejected TD’s home.
Looking at the results from National University of Ireland (Rónán Mullen, Michael McDowell, and Alice-Mary Higgins) I find it hard to believe this represents a true picture. Anyone know what the electorate was for NUI and what percentage voted?
@Martello Mulligan: didn’t get a ballot paper this time.
@Valthebear: I check that I am on the register and my address is up to date online a few months in advance to be sure. I graduated in the 90s. Unfortunately very few other graduates I know vote. Most of them haven’t given the NUI a new address since they left college. There was an excellent list of candidates on the ballot paper this year. Extremely disappointed with the result- again.
@Martello Mulligan: I think I read about 34% voted from NUI
It would be help to put the Party name/IND beside each of those elected.
Senator’s should retire, close seanad totally, no more, stop corruption..robbing..stealing money, when this is done, all this money can go towards rebuild new homes, health, make jobs, stop any human coming into Ireland and get dole, do as Canada, Australia, they have the best way, if that person is Qualified, has a trade to improve Ireland it gives them a chance over 1 year..checked out and employer will pay for the person to stay another year, comes to 5 years, they have to sign to become citizens of Ireland.
The people voting (for senators on the panels) are local councilors, the outgoing senators, and the newly elected TDs. One vote is given a value of 1,000 for the purposes of the count. Hence the huge numbers. In fact the total electorate for the “panel” senators is less than 1,200 people.
@JimmyMc: get a more reliable source than a website/blog that is unregulated like irishcentrel.com and you find that the reports / argiclesare are twisted to persuade public opinion.
It is true that David Norris wrote a Character reference for a friend in trouble, of that he is quite entitled to do.
That website is pro catholic and homophobic that has written about David Norris to assassinate his character. However, intelligent people elect him for his tenacity, and rise above rumour.
Anyones words can be twisted to support an argument
Absolutely delighted Ivana Bacik was elected….a Senator with a huge track record on women’s rights…a terrific intellect and brings a wealth of experience to the Institution..Congrats.
A load of s – - t
4 million a year it costs to run this gravy train.
Huge win for FF in Seanad seats. Only possible if FG councillors voted for FF. Independent option would suggest a revolt by councillors against Leo and his front bench. It funny because all FG senators elected are male. Leaving Leo if returned as Taoiseach with the choice to pick only females as senators. But wait could Ireland be about to get its first gender different senator. Would Noel rock or dr oreilly identify as female to keep their expenses?
Would that gui be DBaseIV circa 1993 software?
I despair at the “election” of these parasites and wasters who contribute zilch to our so called “political” life.. Ronan Mullen, dear God
@rufustfirefly:
Rónán Mullen. One of the best politicians we gAve. Headed the poll again. SpeaMs Speaks sense and a great model for a Culture of Life. Godls will be done not the people
The Seanad electorate needs to be massively overhauled. The house itself is a good idea, the current “constituencies” are the problem.
What do they do.? We can’t afford them now especially. OUT OUT OUT.
What can ya do it’s all for them. To hell with the rest of ya
Who cares ??
Is it just me or does this article make no sense? It says there are three people figuring it out for one seat, but it doesn’t tell you who they are. It then says in the 2nd paragraph that 6 of the 7 seats remain undecided?
theres no getting rid of lisa chambers
Didn’t Leo have to wait ‘all night long’ to see if got in? but still “11 Taoiseach’s nominees?”
This calls for immediate discussion.
@Louis Jacob: Discuss!
How come that our “democracy” gives the right to my children to vote simply because the are college educated whilst I am denied that right. The vested interests campaigned to retain the system and managed to achieve a small minority. The retention of the Seanad should require a two thirds majority.
pity john dolan lost out he is an amazing advocate for those with disabilities
Good old Jerry Buttimer lands on his feet again.
have your say