Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the counting in the European elections ended at 4 a.m. this morning, I congratulate our successful candidates for the European Parliament, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin for winning four seats each. Jim Nicholson is now the longest serving MEP from the island of Ireland and Brian Crowley, the second longest serving. On the island of Ireland, I note we have achieved perfect gender balance with seven male and seven female MEPs. Can we ask the Scandinavians to please note that as they tended to cite our previous representation balance as evidence that Ireland is not in favour of gender balance? This was the perfect gender balance election and compliments to the electorate and all the candidates.