Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has described the election of Patricia Stephenson to Seanad Éireann as a landmark day for the party.
Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“Today 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.
“For the first time, the party has seen a candidate for the Seanad elected, and we remain hopeful of a double victory if Cllr Joan Hopkins, our nominee on the Industrial and Commercial Panel, is successful in taking a second seat this weekend.
“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 today’s result.”
Patricia Stephenson was born in Belfast and now lives in Castlecomer in County Kilkenny.
A peacebuilding and conflict prevention advisor by profession, she spent six years in East Africa as an international aid worker before returning home to Ireland.
Patricia said:
“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.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.”
February 1, 2025