Senator John Cummins (37) was flagged by Fine Gael as a key gain for the party after the shock of losing a long-held seat in Waterford in the 2020 election. For the 2024 election, he was a single candidate on the party ticket.

He has a strong profile in Waterford city, having been heavily involved in scouting, theatre and sports. After becoming a PE teacher, he taught in a number of secondary schools in Waterford. Married to his wife Inga, he was first elected to Waterford City Council at the age of 21 and has served as mayor of Waterford twice.

During his second term, he helped advance the case for the North Quays development fronting on to the river Suir. He has served on the board of Waterford Airport.

On election to the Seanad in 2020, he was appointed Fine Gael spokesman on housing, local government and heritage.