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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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RTE Sports broadcaster and Kilkenny native, Evanne Ní Chuilinn is set to join the Fine Gael party as a senator.
The local sports presenter was one of 11 nominees to Seanad put forward by the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin and described her selection as an 'honour'.
"Becoming a Fine Gael Senator is an honour and gives me an opportunity to advance change on a wide range of issues affecting Irish life," Ní Chuilinn said following the announcement.
"I have enjoyed a varied and exciting career in sports broadcasting for more than two decades, one which I will miss and I am grateful to have had.
"I have never taken for granted the platform my career has afforded me and have been conscious to use my voice in advocating for issues that I’ve had lived experience of," the Kilkenny presenter turned politician claimed.
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"I am passionate about women and girls in sport, minority sports and an Ghaeilge, and as I enter public life, I will continue to live by those passions. I have spoken publicly on private matters such as suicide, mental health, women’s health and infertility. These are issues which I know impact so many people across the country and I want, where I can, to be an advocate for them.
"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity by the Tánaiste and I look forward to working with my new colleagues, delivering for Ireland as part of the Fine Gael team in government," she concluded.
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris described the addition of the former RTE host as 'fantastic', adding, she 'embodies the core Fine Gael value of equality of opportunity.'
"I am delighted Evanne has decided to join Fine Gael and will be a Fine Gael Senator. She is an accomplished broadcaster, journalist and author, but also a passionate advocate for women in sport, mental health and women’s healthcare," the Fine Gael leader remarked.
"She is a fantastic addition to the Fine Gael team and this is a very exciting day for Evanne, her family, but also for the Fine Gael party.
"Evanne embodies the core Fine Gael value of equality of opportunity. I know she will work hard to bring her experience and energy to her work in the Seanad and to the communities she serves," he added.
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