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09 Sept 2025
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09 Sept 2025
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Pádraig Rice TD, deputy director of elections for Soc Dems; Catherine Murphy, director of elections; newly-elected senator Patricia Stephenson; and Cian O'Callaghan TD, Soc Dems acting leader.
Kilkenny-based Patricia Stephenson has been elected to Seanad Éireann, becoming the first-ever representative of the Social Democrats to hold that office.
Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan described the election of as a landmark day for the party.
“Patricia taking a Seanad seat marks another milestone for the Social Democrats following the increased mandate we received in the most recent local and general elections, where we almost doubled our number of councillors and TDs," said Deputy O’Callaghan.
“For the first time, the party has seen a candidate elected to the Seanad. I know Patricia will make a valuable contribution as a senator and I look forward to welcoming her to our expanded parliamentary party.
“I would also like to thank our director of elections Catherine Murphy, and deputy director of elections Pádraig Rice TD, for the significant part they played in this fantastic result.”
Patricia was the fourth candidate to be deemed elected on the Labour Panel, having reached the quota. The first-time candidate missed out on a Dail seat in November, despite a very impressive first preference vote.
Patricia lives in Coollcullen, between Old Leighlin and Castlecomer. Originally from Belfast, she moved here a few years ago after six years working in East Africa in the aid/humanitarian sector, before her return to Ireland. Her aunt and uncle live close to ‘Comer, where she visited a lot as a child.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as a senator on the Labour Panel. I look forward to working hard on issues such as workers’ rights and human rights, bringing my experience in the international development and peacebuilding sectors into this role," said the new senator “There is a lot of hard work ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.”
READ MORE: FIRST-TIME CANDIDATE OFFERS FRESH PERSPECTIVE
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