Ardara-based Senator Eileen Flynn creates history in re-election to Seanad

Ardara-based Senator Eileen Flynn has made history - again.

In winning election to the Administrative Panel in the Seanad election, Senator Flynn has become the first Traveller to be elected to the Oireachtas. 

In June 2020, she first entered the Seanad, as one of the nominees of Taoiseach Micheál Martin. In doing so, she became the first Traveller to take a seat in the Oireachtas.

Now, she has etched her name into the history books for a second time.

“I am humbled and overwhelmed by the support and encouragement,” Senator Flynn said following her election.

She was the fourth candidate elected to the Administrative Panel after reaching the quota at the 11th count.

She said: “It’s not often you get to make history twice, but I am honoured to be elected to the 27th Seanad.

“My goal as always is to fight for equality, social justice, equality of opportunity and to make Ireland an inclusive place for all. I’m grateful for everyone who has given me this opportunity to continue that work.”

Senator Flynn stood for election for the Labour Panel in the 2020 Seanad election but, having narrowly missed out, she received a nomination.

Since 2018, she had lived in Ardara with her husband, Liam Whyte, and their family.

Over many years, she has been an activist and involved in community development while championing equality and human rights for Traveller women and girls, along with housing rights and anti-racism.

Raised in the Labre Park Traveller housing site in Ballyfermot, Dublin, she is also a graduate of Trinity College and Maynooth University.

Read next: Senator Niall Blaney re-elected, Robbie Gallagher also retains Seanad seat

Others elected to the Administrative Panel were Fianna Fáil’s Mark Daly, Fiona O'Loughlin and Diarmuid Wilson (FF); Fine Gael pair Martin Conway, Garret Ahearn (FG); and Sinn Féin’s Nicole Ryan.