Seanad Election 2025: A Recap of the NUI and Trinity College Dublin Results

The 2025 Seanad elections have concluded, marking a significant event in Irish politics. The races for the National University of Ireland (NUI) and Trinity College Dublin constituencies have seen a mix of expected and surprising results. This article summarizes the key outcomes and provides context to the events.

NUI Seanad Constituency: A Clean Sweep for Incumbents

The NUI constituency witnessed a remarkable outcome: all three incumbent senators were re-elected. Michael McDowell secured his seat on the first count with a commanding 11,390 votes, a surplus of 2,361 votes. His performance was described by fellow re-elected senator Ronan Mullen as “remarkable, stomping,” exceeding his previous election's performance by nearly 2,500 votes. Mr. Mullen himself exceeded the quota on the ninth count with 9,107 votes. Alice Mary Higgins secured re-election on the eighth count with 8,822 votes, despite not reaching the quota, as the remaining surplus could not benefit other candidates. These wins confirm the enduring support for these independent senators.

Speculation on McDowell's Future

Mr. Mullen's comments on Mr. McDowell's performance included speculation that Mr. McDowell might consider running for the presidency, stating that he couldn’t resist speculating on whether or not this was the only election Mr. McDowell would be fighting this year. McDowell himself expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. This creates intrigue about the political landscape moving forward.

Trinity College Dublin Constituency: A Battle for the Remaining Seat

The Trinity College Dublin constituency presented a more dynamic picture. While outgoing Senator Lynn Ruane secured re-election on the 11th count with 3,761 votes, and Tom Clonan was also re-elected on the 13th count, the competition for the third seat proved intense. Katherine Zappone was eliminated on the ninth count after receiving 1,039 votes. The remaining candidates, including Aubrey McCarthy, who initially led, Hugo MacNeill, and Green Party candidates Hazel Chu and Ossian Smyth, are engaged in a close race for the final seat. The distribution of Ossian Smyth's votes has put his Green Party colleague Hazel Chu in the lead for the third place in the Trinity College panel. Chu currently has 2,962 votes, followed by Aubrey McCarthy on 2,630, and Hugo MacNeill on 2,359. The seat remains highly contested and all seats are expected to be filled by Monday or Tuesday, depending on the length of the count.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Trinity College Race

The Trinity College Dublin constituency, with a valid poll of 17,797 and a quota of 4,450, saw a tight battle for the remaining seat after the re-election of Senators Lynn Ruane and Tom Clonan. The elimination of Katherine Zappone highlighted the competitiveness of the race, and the final outcome will likely hinge on the distribution of surplus votes. The suspense surrounding this final seat promises a captivating conclusion to the Trinity College election race.

Vocational Panels: A Lengthy Count Ahead

The counting of votes for the five vocational panels began on Thursday, starting with the Cultural and Education panel. With 111 candidates vying for 43 seats, the process is expected to extend into the Bank Holiday Monday. The results will determine the composition of a substantial portion of the Seanad.

The Taoiseach's Nominations

Following the completion of the seven panel counts, Taoiseach Micheál Martin will nominate 11 Senators to complete the Seanad’s 60 members. This process adds another layer to the overall Seanad composition determination.

Longford's Representatives: A Nail-Biting Wait

In Longford, local candidates Joe Flaherty and Paraic Brady await the results of their respective panels, Cultural and Educational and Agricultural, respectively. Mr. Flaherty, a former Fianna Fáil TD, is seeking a Seanad seat after previously being co-opted, and expressed hopefulness about the outcome, noting the impact of recent weather events. Meanwhile, Mr. Brady, a Fine Gael councillor, completed a comprehensive campaign across the country and emphasized the need for strong rural representation in the Seanad. Their fates, along with those of many other candidates, remain uncertain as the count progresses.

Local Perspectives: Longford's Aspirations

The involvement of Flaherty and Brady underscores the importance of local representation in the national political arena. Their candidacies brought to light concerns surrounding rural areas and their unique challenges. While the election results may affect their immediate plans, the issues they raised will continue to necessitate attention.

The Final Chapter: Awaiting the Complete Picture

The 2025 Seanad elections are far from over. While some constituencies have declared their winners, others remain highly contested and the full results will be announced by Monday or Tuesday. The Taoiseach's nominations will further shape the Senate's composition. The Seanad’s composition will continue to be defined by ongoing counts and nominations, offering a captivating political narrative for weeks to come. This election cycle has highlighted the importance of voter engagement and the continuing impact of diverse political viewpoints in Ireland's political sphere. The results will significantly influence the Irish political landscape for the next five years.