Scahill says it will be ‘a huge privilege and honour to serve in Seanad Éireann’

Fine Gael councillor Gareth Scahill has said it is a “huge privilege and honour” to be nominated by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to serve in Seanad Éireann.

“I have been truly overwhelmed and humbled by the support shown to me since the announcement yesterday, Friday,” the new senator told the Roscommon Herald.

“Thank you to my family, Nicola, Kate and Abbie for their unwavering encouragement and support. Thank you to my parents, Liam and Madeline and my brother and sisters for always being there for me,” he said.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has sent me messages of goodwill. They include the many good wishes I have received from the local community and across the county, along with those from my council and party colleagues.

“I understand that with this role in national parliament comes huge responsibility.

“I am determined to use my presence in the Seanad as a national platform to highlight and address key concerns, considerations and issues on behalf of local communities in Roscommon-Galway,” he said.

“Being a senator will allow me to work alongside all my government colleagues to help secure continued investment which will directly benefit local towns, villages and communities.

“I am looking forward to working with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, my fellow senators, TDs, the Fine Gael parliamentary party and my Oireachtas constituency colleagues,” said Mr Scahill.