Newly-elected Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has vowed to be the strong female voice the people of Laois need in the Oireachtas.

Speaking at Leinster House this afternoon after she was elected to the Seanad via the Labour panel, Senator McCormack said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be elected to Seanad. It is an honour to be standing here in Leinster House on St Brigid’s weekend knowing that Laois will have female representation in the Oireachtas.

“As well as being a strong Sinn Féin voice for the county, I will also be a strong advocate for the delivery of affordable housing, and ensure that the voices of carers and people with disabilities are heard.

“I want to thank everybody who voted for me – all the TDs, councillors and outgoing Senators. But in particular, I want to thank the thousands of people in Laois who voted for me in November’s General Election, and to everyone in Sinn Féin in Laois and republicans across the country for the support they have shown me.

“I know that for the thousands of people who voted for me that the return of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to government will be of great disappointment to them. But I can assure those voters that Laois has a strong Sinn Féin voice in Leinster House who will go toe to toe with the government from day one.

“Sinn Féin will continue to have your back, and we will work to build an Ireland that is fairer, united, and more equal; to achieve a new era where workers, families and communities come first.”