Seanad Eireann can at times be seen as a retirement home for former TDs and business people but it can also be a training ground for the Dáil.
A number of Senators ran in this General Election and some have already been deemed successful.
Independent Senator Katherine Zappone and prominent Yes Campaigner took the last in Dublin South West, although a recount is in progress.
Thank you @TeamZappone! #GE16 #DubSW pic.twitter.com/1fI9f4hJHZ
— Katherine Zappone (@SenatorKZappone) February 28, 2016
Sinn Fein Senator David Cullinane secured a seat in Waterford.
Another new @sinnfeinireland TD @davidcullinane elected in Waterford.Great to be with him at the count. #Historic pic.twitter.com/zyRD36mR8R
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) February 28, 2016
Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O'Brien took a seat on the first count in Dublin Fingal. This means that the party once again has a TD in the capital after Brian Lenihan's passing left it without representation in Dublin.
Another Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne was elected in Meath East on the first count, regaining the seat he lost in 2011. His 10,818 votes exceeded the quota by 470.
Senator Marc McSharry, also of Fianna Fáil, looks set to top the polls in Sligo Leitrim, while Fine Gael's Michael D'arcy should manage to get a seat in Wexford.
Some Senators are still in the running, including Independent Averil Power in Dublin Bay North.
This box from Bayside brought a big smile to my face pic.twitter.com/tTLdlyl2nE
— Senator Averil Power (@averilpower) February 27, 2016
On the other hand, several Senators have been unsuccessful including Independent Senator Fidelma Healy Eames in Galway West, Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins in Galway East and Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone in Dublin West.
Fianna Fáil Senator and Lír Chocolate tycoon Mary White was also unsuccessful in Dublin Rathdown, as was Labour Senator John Whelan in Laois.
