Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Technical Group, I welcome Deputy Gabrielle McFadden to the House. She described her victory as a bittersweet one and we can all understand that sentiment. I contested and won a by-election in 2005 and know how daunting it is to come in mid-term. I am sure the Deputy will get great support from her organisation. It is great to see that both by-elections were won by women and that it appears we will have more women than men going to the European Parliament. Many new women were elected at local government level, which is a significant and welcome change. I wish Deputy McFadden the very best for the term ahead.

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