Seanad Election Drama: Recount Requested as Hazel Chu Trails by 31 Votes
the Dublin University/Trinity College Seanad constituency has become the center of political attention as Green Party candidate Hazel Chu has requested a full recount after narrowly trailing Autonomous candidate Aubrey McCarthy by just 31 votes. The final 15th count saw McCarthy secure 3,741 votes, including 994 transfers from Hugo MacNeill, while Chu garnered 3,710 votes, with 547 transfers from the same candidate.
The decision on whether to proceed with the recount will be made on friday morning at 9:30 am. This recount will determine the final seat in the Trinity College Seanad panel, adding another layer of suspense to an already tightly contested election.
Earlier in the day, independent Senators Lynn Ruane and Tom Clonan were re-elected to their seats.Ruane, who first won her seat in 2016, retained her position, while clonan expressed his gratitude, calling it a “huge privilege” and vowing to continue his advocacy for disabled citizens and carers.
Simultaneously occurring, on the National University of Ireland (NUI) panel, Independents Rónán Mullen, Alice Mary Higgins, and Michael McDowell were re-elected. McDowell secured his seat on the first count with 11,390 first preference votes, well above the quota of 9,029. Mullen and Higgins followed on the eighth count, with 9,107 and 8,822 votes, respectively.
The NUI count concluded with the elimination of former government minister Katherine Zappone after the ninth count. Additionally, Sinn Féin’s Pauline Tully was elected on the Cultural & educational panel, marking another significant growth in the ongoing Seanad elections.
Key Election Results at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Candidate | Votes | Transfers | Outcome |
|————————|———–|—————|—————————|
| Aubrey McCarthy | 3,741 | 994 | Leading, recount pending |
| Hazel Chu | 3,710 | 547 | Requested recount |
| Michael McDowell | 11,390 | N/A | Elected (1st count) |
| Rónán Mullen | 9,107 | N/A | Elected (8th count) |
| Alice Mary Higgins | 8,822 | N/A | Elected (8th count) |
As the recount looms, all eyes are on the Trinity College constituency, where the final seat hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates as this political drama unfolds.
Seanad Election Drama: Recount Requested as Hazel Chu Trails by 31 Votes
The Dublin university/Trinity College Seanad constituency has become the center of political attention as Green Party candidate Hazel Chu has requested a full recount after narrowly trailing autonomous candidate Aubrey McCarthy by just 31 votes. The final 15th count saw McCarthy secure 3,741 votes,including 994 transfers from Hugo MacNeill,while Chu garnered 3,710 votes,with 547 transfers from the same candidate. The decision on whether to proceed with the recount will be made on friday morning at 9:30 am. This recount will determine the final seat in the Trinity College Seanad panel, adding another layer of suspense to an already tightly contested election.
The Tight Race in the Trinity College Constituency
Senior Editor: Dr. Fiona O’Connell, thank you for joining us today. The tension in the Trinity College constituency is palpable. Can you walk us through the key moments that led to this recount request?
Dr. Fiona O’Connell: absolutely. The race for the final seat in the Trinity College constituency has been one of the most closely watched in this Seanad election. After 15 counts, Aubrey McCarthy was leading with 3,741 votes, while Hazel Chu was just 31 votes behind with 3,710. The narrow margin prompted Chu to request a recount, which is understandable given the stakes.The transfers played a crucial role here—McCarthy received 994 transfers from Hugo MacNeill, while Chu only got 547. This difference in transfers coudl be decisive in the final outcome.
Implications of the Recount
Senior Editor: What are the potential implications of this recount for the broader Seanad elections?
Dr. Fiona O’Connell: The recount is meaningful because it will determine the final seat in the Trinity College panel, which is one of the most prestigious in the Seanad.If Chu overtakes McCarthy, it could shift the balance of power slightly, notably in terms of representation for environmental and progressive issues, given her Green Party affiliation. Conversely, if McCarthy retains his lead, it will solidify the presence of self-reliant voices in the Seanad.Either way, the outcome will influence the legislative agenda for the coming years, especially on issues like education, social justice, and climate change.
Re-Elections on the NUI Panel
Senior Editor: Shifting focus to the NUI panel, can you discuss the re-election of independant Senators like Michael McDowell, Rónán Mullen, and Alice Mary Higgins?
Dr. Fiona O’Connell: Certainly. The NUI panel results were another highlight of this election. Michael McDowell’s re-election on the first count with 11,390 first preference votes was particularly notable, as he comfortably exceeded the quota of 9,029. This strong showing reflects his enduring popularity and influence. Rónán Mullen and Alice Mary Higgins were re-elected on the eighth count, with 9,107 and 8,822 votes, respectively. Their re-elections underscore the continued appeal of independent candidates who focus on issues like human rights, social justice, and education. It’s also worth noting that former government minister Katherine Zappone was eliminated after the ninth count, marking the end of her political comeback bid.
Sinn Féin’s Growth in the Cultural & Educational Panel
senior Editor: can you comment on Sinn Féin’s Pauline Tully being elected on the Cultural & Educational panel? What does this signify for Sinn Féin’s broader political strategy?
Dr. Fiona O’Connell: pauline Tully’s election is a significant milestone for Sinn Féin. It reflects the party’s ongoing growth and its strategic focus on expanding its influence in key areas like education and culture. This win is particularly significant for Sinn Féin as it continues to position itself as a major player in Irish politics, not only in the Dáil but also in the seanad.Tully’s election will likely bolster the party’s efforts to shape policies that align with its broader platform, including increased funding for education, cultural preservation, and social equality.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. O’Connell, for your insightful analysis. The Seanad elections have certainly provided a interesting glimpse into the evolving political landscape of Ireland. As we await the recount results,it’s clear that every vote counts,and the outcomes will have lasting implications for Irish politics.
Dr. Fiona O’Connell: Thank you for having me. Indeed,these elections remind us of the importance of civic engagement and the power of every single vote. Whether it’s the tight race in Trinity College or the broader trends across the panels, this election cycle will be remembered for its drama and significance.
