Seanad by-election reinforces need for reform

SINN FÉIN’S Seanad by-election candidate Councillor Sinead Burke has congratulated Maíría Cahill on her election and wished her well in the Seanad.

Voting was restricted to TDs and senators and the result was effectively an appointment as Labour's Fine Gael partner had pledged to back Cahill. She took 122 votes and won on the first count.

Fianna Fáil's Dr Keith Swanick had 38 votes, Sinn Féin’s Sinéad Burke 18, and Independent Jerry Beades 10. Eleven ballot papers were rejected as being incorrectly completed or validated.

Speaking after the result, Sinéad Burke said:

“Sinn Féin stood on a platform of delivering a fair recovery, investing in public services and building a republic worthy of the vision of 1916. We are on the side of the citizens and struggling families. We are for equality, inclusion and fundamental political change

“The Labour Party in government has increased poverty and inequality, introduced Water Charges and Family Home Tax, forced a generation into emigration and cut funding to essential services.

“The Seanad needed a voice for that would hold the Government to account and not another Government appointee.

“This by-election has only reinforced the need for Seanad reform and Sinn Féin will make that issue the cornerstone of our Seanad election campaign in the New Year.

“I want to congratulate Maíría on her election and wish her well in the Seanad.”

The Sinn Féin candidate also wished outgoing Labour Senator Jimmy Harte all the best in his retirement on health grounds.