More first time TDs have been elected today after several political stalwarts failed to retain their seats.
Dublin Bay South has two newcomers in the form of Fine Gael's Kate O'Connell and Fianna Fail's Jim O'Callaghan, who both come from the county council ranks. Mr. O'Callaghan was the latest to share his views on a potential coalition with Fine Gael:
Elsewhere in Dublin, Fine Gael Cllr Josepha Madigan secured a seat in Dublin Rathdown and Cllr Maria Bailey was elected in Dun Laoghaire - the 100th woman to ever be elected to the Dáil.
Congratulations to @MariaBaileyFG @FineGael the 100th woman ever elected to Dáil Éireann #GE16 pic.twitter.com/iGjC4GbEWs
— Women for Election (@women4election) February 27, 2016
Another Fine Gael Councillor, Colm Brophy, was deemed elected in Dublin South West on the 16th count, although a recount is in progress.
Further south, there was another new face for Fine Gael in the form of Cllr Tom Neville. Although as the son of former TD Dan Neville, he's no stranger to political life.
Another new TD who has a strong political background is Independent Cllr Danny Healy-Rae. He joins his brother and extends the political dynasty in Kerry.
Cllr Gino Kenny of AAA-PBP secured the fourth seat in Dublin Mid West, joining the Sinn Féin newcomer Eoin O'Broin - who topped the poll in the constituency and was one of the first TDs to be elected.
ELECTED: Frances Fitzgerald and Eoin O'Broin in Dublin Mid-West https://t.co/fLAAK8go7r #ge16
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 27, 2016
Perhaps one of the newest faces is Independent Dr. Michael Harty, who secured a seat in Clare. Dr. Harty was running as part of the No Doctor, No Village campaign and has no real political background.
Dr Michael Harty (Ind) elected on Count 9 with 11,962 votes. pic.twitter.com/cswkxV73zK
— The Clare People (@clarepeople) February 28, 2016
Another brand new face is Sinn Fein's Louise O'Reilly who has not served time as a councillor or senator. She secured a record breaking seat in Dublin Fingal, beating Fine Gael's James Reilly in the process.
Louise O'Reilly @loreillysf is the 28th women elected to the 32nd Dáil, breaking the record of 27 women set by the last Dáil #FemGen #GE16
— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) February 28, 2016
She joins a slew of new Sinn Fein TDs including; John Brady in Wicklow, Kathleen Funchion in Carlow Kilkenny and Marurice Quinlivan in Limerick City. Donnchadh O'Laoghaire was successful in Cork South Central while Pat Buckley secured a seat in Cork East. Carol Nolan is another new TD for the party in Offaly.
In a major coup for the Green Party, Deputy Leader Cllr Catherine Martin secured a seat in Dublin Rathdown on her first time contesting a general election.
Fianna Fail has welcomed several other TDs from its County Council ranks; Anne Rabbitte in Galway East, Shane Cassells in Meath West and Mary Butler in Waterford.
— Shane Cassells (@ShaneCassells) February 27, 2016
In Dublin, new Fianna Fáil faces include Cllr John Lahart in Dublin South West and Cllr Jack Chambers in Dublin West.
Kildare gained two new Fianna Fáil TDs in the form of Cllr Frank O'Rourke in the north of the county and Cllr Fiona O'Loughlin in the south of the county.
There are three new Fianna Fáil TDs in Cork, Cllr Aindrias Moynihan in Cork North West, Cllr Margaret Murphy O'Mahoney in Cork South West and Cllr Kevin O'Keefe in Cork East.
Other new Fianna Fáil additions include Cllr Lisa Chambers in Mayo, Cllr Jackie Cahillin Tippearary, Cllr Eugene Murphy in Roscommon Galway and Cllr Declan Breathnach in Louth.
Congratulations to Lisa Chambers @lichamber #FemGen supporter, on becoming the 29th woman elected to the 32nd Dáil #GE16
— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) February 28, 2016
Independent Cllr Michael Collins secured a seat in Cork South West. Former Independent Councillor and Mayor of Galway Séan Canney has also been elected in Galway East after failing to gain a seat in the 2011 election.
Sean Canney and family in jubilant mood in New Inn after topping the poll in Galway East. #ge16 #seancanney pic.twitter.com/L6AVTmCo14
— Sean Canney (@SeanCanney) February 27, 2016
