Counting has commenced at Leinster House for the Seanad vocational panels following the closure of polls, marking the second day of the overall Seanad election count. Independent Senator Michael McDowell remains the only confirmed winner, securing his re-election to the National University of Ireland (NUI) panel.
The election process involves filling 49 seats across multiple panels, with 43 positions allocated to vocational panels. TDs, councillors, and outgoing senators have been casting their votes in the Members’ Restaurant at Leinster House over the past month for these positions.
Incumbent senators including Tom Clonan and Lynn Ruanne (Trinity Panel), along with Rónán Mullen and Alice Mary-Higgins (NUI Panel), are seeking re-election. Early tallies suggest they are likely to retain their seats.
According to The Journal, the final stage of the Seanad formation will see Taoiseach Micheál Martin appoint 11 senators to ensure government majority in both houses. These appointments may include representatives from underrepresented groups in the Oireachtas, potentially extending beyond coalition party members.
The complete Seanad composition is expected to be finalized by early next week, depending on counting duration.