Ray Butler appointed to senate

Former Meath Fine Gael TD Ray Butler will find himself back in Leinster House as he has been appointed to Seanad Eireann by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The Trim-based politician, who lost his Meath West seat in the election, was unsuccessful in a bid to be elected to the Seanad. He is one of the Taoiseach's 11 nominees.

Other former Fine Gael TDs nominated include former minister, James Reilly, John O'Mahony, Michelle Mulherin, Paudie Coffey and Frank Feighan.

Journalist and lecturer Marie-Louise O'Donnell was the only Independent senator that Mr Kenny had chosen to re-appoint to the 25th Seanad.

He also picked advocate for Irish immigrants in the US, Billy Lawless.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin chose non-politicians for the three positions offered to him.

He recommended Pieta House Founder Joan Freeman, the chief executive of Alzheimer's Society of Ireland Colette Kelleher, and businessman Padraig O Ceidigh.