A DONEGAL senator has made history twice following her election to the Seanad.
Senator Eileen Flynn (Ind) has become the first Traveller to be elected to the Oireachtas. The Ardara-based woman won election to the Administrative Panel in the Seanad election.
The mum-of-two first entered the Seanad in 2020 as one of the nominees of Micheál Martin, and in doing so became the first member of the travelling community to take a seat in the Oireachtas.
Speaking following her election, Senator Flynn said she was “humbled and overwhelmed by the support and encouragement”.
She was the fourth candidate elected to the Administrative Panel after reaching the quota at the 11th count.
“My goal as always is to fight for equality, social justice, equality of opportunity and to make Ireland an inclusive place for all. I’m grateful for everyone who has given me this opportunity to continue that work.”
Senator Flynn stood for election for the Labour Panel in the 2020 Seanad election but, having narrowly missed out, she received a nomination.
Since 2018, she has lived in Ardara with her husband, Liam Whyte, and their two daughters.
Elsewhere, Fianna Fáil’s Blaney was re-elected to the Seanad’s Agricultural Panel while Termon native Gallagher, now based in Monaghan, was re-elected onto the Labour Panel.
Letterkenny councillor, Jimmy Kavanagh (FG) failed to take a seat onto the Labour Panel.
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