How did Waterford's Seanad candidates perform?
Waterford candidates Cllr Joe Kelly, Matt Shanahan, Cllr Joe Conway - who was elected, and Sadhbh O'Neill.
The results of the Seanad Elections slowly poured in over the weekend following some good news for Waterford as Independent Waterford Councillor Joe Conway was elected to the Cultural and Educational panel of the Seanad on Friday.
The former Principal of Killea BNS, Dunmore East, thanked the supporters of his campaign.
“I want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign. All my constituents, family and friends."
The Waterford man was elected on the 19th Count. Cllr Conway's votes surpassed those of the outgoing Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee. The original result was affirmed following a recount requested by Clifford-Lee. Cllr Conway continued to have the fifth highest number of preferences after Clifford-Lee’s votes were distributed.
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan congratulated Cllr Conway following the result.
“This is a great day for independents. I have known Joe Conway for a very long time. He will be an independent voice and independent choice for all those who voted for him on the Cultural and Educational Panel,” said Senator Boyhan.
Cllr Conway served as the Mayor of Waterford City and County in 2023/2024, and represents the local electoral area of Tramore & Waterford City West.
A native of Ardagh, County Longford, he is a Gaeilgeoir, lifelong educator and former member of Údarás na Gaeltachta, which also nominated him to contest the election.
A total of 16 candidates vied for just three seats in the University of Dublin Seanad Éireann (Trinity) panel, one of whom was from the Déise, Sadhbh O'Neill. The recent Labour Party candidate in the Waterford General Election, O'Neill was eliminated on the 10th count with her 1,384 votes distributed among the candidates. The three seats were filled by Lynn Ruane, Tom Clonan and Aubrey McCarthy.
Former Independent TD for Waterford Matt Shanahan was unsuccessful in his bid to clinch a seat on the Industrial and Commercial Vocational Panel after receiving a nomination from ISME, the lobbying group for Irish small and medium enterprises. Shanahan was eliminated on the 12th count with his votes distributed among the other candidates.
Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Joe Kelly was also unsuccessful in his bid for the same panel following a nomination from the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems. Mayor Kelly, who is the National Chairperson of the Institute, said that he was "honoured to get the nomination". Kelly was eliminated on the fifth count.
