GREEN COUNCILLOR Mark Dearey from Dundalk, Co Louth, replaced former senator Déirdre de Búrca in the Seanad yesterday.

Ms de Búrca, a Taoiseach’s nominee, resigned less than two weeks ago. Mr Dearey, a member of Dundalk Town Council since 2004 and Louth County Council since June 2009, was described as “a businessman, vintner, and music promoter” in a Government statement confirming his appointment. He was nominated by Taoiseach Brian Cowen after being recommended by Green Party leader John Gormley. He secured more than 4,170 first-preference votes in the Louth constituency as an unsuccessful candidate in the 2007 general election.