OUTGOING Independent Senator Rónán Mullen is returning to the Seanad after topping the poll in the National University of Ireland constituency. Mr Mullen, well known for his pro-life views, was elected on the first count with a vote of 9,642. The race for the third seat is set to be a battle between outgoing Independent Senator Mary Alice Higgins -the daughter of President Michael D Higgins - and former Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger. Elsewhere outgoing Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer topped the poll in the Seanad's Labour Panel and will be re-elected. Others vying for seats in the panel include former Fianna Fáil TDs Shane Cassells and Pat Casey who lost their Dáil seats in February's general election.

Source: Irish Independent April 01, 2020 14:03 UTC