Cassells elected to the Seanad
Former Meath West TD, Shane Cassells was elected to the Seanad tonight.
The Navan man was elected to the Labour Panel on the 13th count, with transfers from Aengus O'Rourke, a Fianna Fail councillor in Westmeath.
Senator Cassells, who lost his Dail seat in the February general election, said he was delighted to have been elected to the Seanad.
“It has been a roller coaster political year and I am conscious that this election comes amidst a national crisis where politics have to take a back seat.
”This was my tenth election. It was a tough day at the office last February, but I am very pleased with tonight's result.
“It is a great result for the Fianna Fail organisation in Meath and I want to thank the party, Robert Troy, director of election, my election agent, Donie Cassidy and in particular, my family.
“I am delighted to have been elected to the upper house and I will fight as hard in the Senate, as I fought for my constituents in the Dail,” he said.
Earlier, Bettystown/Laytown councillor, Annie Hoey (Labour) was elected to the Seanad's agricultural panel.