Fine Gael’s Ray McAdam elected to the Seanad

Fine Gael councillor and former Dublin lord mayor Ray McAdam has been elected to the Seanad.

McAdam won a byelection triggered by the election of party colleague Seán Kyne to the Dáil earlier this year.

The electorate consisted of members of both Houses of the Oireachtas: all 174 TDs and 59 Senators. The byelection brings the number in the Seanad to 60.

McAdam, who was born in Co Cavan and raised in Co Fermanagh, defeated Maeve O’Rourke, an academic and human rights lawyer; Caitlín Ní Bhroin, a language planning officer based in Co Donegal; and University College Dublin academic Prof Patrick Walsh.

He was elected to the culture and educational panel on the first count with 104 per cent of the quota. O’Rourke received 47 per cent of a quota, Ní Bhroin 40 per cent and Walsh 7 per cent.

O’Rourke had been considered McAdam’s main rival, having secured support from much of the Opposition. However, Sinn Féin’s support of Ní Bhroin was a setback for her hopes, and the Government parties hold a secure majority among the electorate.

McAdam described his election to the Oireachtas as an “enormous privilege and responsibility”.

“I intend to repay that trust through hard work, practical action and a determination to make a real difference,” he said in a statement.

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“Having represented the North Inner City for 17 years and served as Lord Mayor of Dublin, I know that politics must be judged by the difference it makes to people’s lives. That means delivering more affordable homes, easing household costs and making our communities safer.”

“My commitment to the people and communities of Dublin Central is as strong as ever. I will continue to champion their interests and ensure their voices are heard at national level.”

McAdam was first elected to Dublin City Council in 2009 and has retained his seat since.