Profile: Kate O’Connell (FG)

Dublin Bay South: Fourth TD elected of four

Kate O Connell Fine Gael with son Pierce O’Connell (5) at the count centre in the RDS
Kate O Connell Fine Gael with son Pierce O’Connell (5) at the count centre in the RDS

A formidable election candidate in her own right, businesswoman Kate O'Connell benefited hugely from a massive investment of funding and support from Fine Gael party headquarters and the co-operation of her successful running mate, Eoghan Murphy. Running a high-profile campaign, she said that she loved "every minute" of the battle with rival Renua Ireland leader Lucinda Creighton, a former rising star in Fine Gael. A councillor since 2014, she runs two pharmacies with her husband, Morgan O'Connell, and has three children. She lives in Rathgar.

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran is Parliamentary Correspondent of The Irish Times