The Social Democrats are celebrating after securing their first ever Senator.
Patricia Stephenson has been elected to the Labour Panel in the Seanad.
Former Junior Minister Anne Rabbitte is among those who failed to win a seat - with counting expected to conclude today.
Senator Stephenson said she is thrilled to clinch the position.
“I'm delighted,” she said. “It's really… I mean, it's a surreal, overwhelming experience.
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“It's really such a privilege, it's a privileged position to be in.
“The party is 10 years old later this year and it feels like a next step, carrying on a next step in a chapter that Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy laid down a decade ago.”
Senator Stephenson said winning her seat is “an honour” and feels “poetic” with the 10-year anniversary of the SocDems coming up later this year.
Patricia Stephenson after winning a seat as a Senator. Image: Instagram
