49 Senators Elected in Seanad Éireann Elections, Gender Balance Improved

The recent Seanad elections in Ireland have resulted in a significant increase in female representation, with twenty women among the 49 newly elected Senators. Noteworthy historic appointments include Eileen Flynn, the first woman from the Traveller community elected, and Patricia Stephenson, the first Senator from the Social Democrats. Sinn Féin and Fine Gael made gains, while Fianna Fáil saw a decrease in their seats. The elections also confirmed the filling of various vocational panels, including the agricultural and cultural panels. Counting continues for the labour panel, with several candidates, including Chris Andrews and Patricia Stephenson, already elected. The overall shift in the Seanad's composition reflects evolving political dynamics and a push for greater gender balance in Irish politics.