Pro-life Senator Rónán Mullen won re-election to the National University of Ireland panel of Seanad Éireann after topping the poll and exceeding the quota on the first count. He received twice the number of votes compared with the first time he ran in 2007.
The Galway-based independent senator secured 9,642 first preference votes from a total valid poll of 38,118 giving him a little over 25% of the total vote. Having exceeded the quota of 9,530 on the first count he was deemed elected shortly before lunchtime Wednesday. It was Mullen’s fourth consecutive Seanad election win, his largest ever share of the first preference vote on the largest ever turnout on the NUI panel. Mullen is also the first candidate since 1989 to be elected on the first count in the NUI constituency.
All 15 TDs who voted against the abortion bill in December 2018 also won re-election in February’s election to the new Dail.
“I’m honoured to be re-elected in this way,” Mullen said at his home in Galway after the result was declared.
“These are tough times for everybody. While it is good to have something to celebrate, I am mindful of the current health crisis we are all experiencing. Like everyone else, I am concerned for the safety and wellbeing of family and friends. I commend those who took time to vote in these days, and especially those who supported my campaign. I look forward to playing my part in developing good laws for the country at a time of tremendous challenge. I will continue to speak up and act in defence of human dignity in every way I can.”
