University of Dublin Prepares for Historic Seanad Election

University of Dublin Prepares for Historic Seanad Election

(IN BRIEF) The University of Dublin is holding its final Seanad Éireann election to elect three Senators before merging with the National University of Ireland (NUI) constituency in 2026, where graduates will collectively elect six Senators. Ballots will be sent to over 76,000 registered voters on December 30, 2024, with polls closing on January 29, 2025. The constituency, established in 1938, has been represented by notable figures such as Mary Robinson and David Norris. Sixteen candidates, including incumbents Tom Clonan and Lynn Ruane, are contesting the election, marking the end of an era for this historic constituency.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Dublin constituency is set to elect its final three Senators to the Seanad Éireann before transitioning to a new structure in 2026. From then, graduates of both Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland (NUI) will collectively elect six Senators to the Seanad’s Higher Education constituency, marking a significant shift in Ireland’s political landscape.

A Final Election for a Historic Constituency

This election, which opens with ballots sent to over 76,000 registered voters on December 30, 2024, and closes on January 29, 2025, will conclude the constituency’s 87-year history. Established in 1938, the University of Dublin constituency has been represented by notable figures, including former President Mary Robinson, activist Owen Sheehy-Skeffington, and former Minister Shane Ross.

The current Senators for the University of Dublin are Tom Clonan and Lynn Ruane, with David Norris, a long-serving member, retiring in January 2024.

Candidates for 2025

A total of 16 candidates are vying for the three available seats in the Seanad election. Among the notable contenders are Tom Clonan and Lynn Ruane, who seek re-election, alongside other candidates such as Hazel Chu, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, and Katherine Zappone, former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The full list of candidates reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise.

Looking Ahead

As the University of Dublin constituency prepares for this historic election, its legacy as a distinct voice in the Seanad will soon merge with the broader representation of graduates from across Ireland. This evolution underscores the ongoing modernization of Ireland’s parliamentary structure while honoring the contributions of those who have represented the University of Dublin since its inception.

The full list of candidates for the Seanad election 2025 is as follows: 

1. ABBAS ALI O’SHEA
2. DEREK BYRNE
3. KEVIN BYRNE
4. HAZEL CHU
5. TOM CLONAN
6. LAOISE DE BRÚN
7. HUGO MACNEILL
8. MARCUS MATTHEWS
9. AUBREY MCCARTHY
10. JOHN (JACK) MULCAHY
11. PAUL MULVILLE
12. ADE OLUBORODE
13. SADHBH O’NEILL
14. LYNN RUANE
15. OSSIAN SMYTH
16. KATHERINE ZAPPONE

For more details on the candidates and the election process, visit here.