Mairia Cahill says she is "deeply sorry" for joining a dissident Republican group.

Speaking to RTE this evening she said he regretted joining the Republican Network for Unity, and for becoming its National Secretary.

Ms Cahill - who is set to be elected to the Seanad tomorrow - had declined any public interviews or debates throughout the election campaign.

But breaking her silence this evening she said she no longer considered herself to be a republican, and she was sorry for remaining involved with the RNU after she stepped down from its executive.