Members of the Oireachtas are voting this week to fill two vacant seats on the Seanad’s agricultural panel, with polls closing on Friday. In the race to replace resigned Senator Denis Landy, Co Armagh farmer and former UFU president Ian Marshall, a unionist, has secured support from the Government and Sinn Féin.

He is competing with Co Tipperary vet Mary Newman, a sister of Fine Gael TD Kate O’Connell; Dairygold employee and Fianna Fáil Cork County Councillor Frank O’Flynn; Dublin Horse Show chief steward Mary Redmond from Co Meath; and greyhound breeder and Fine Gael Kerry County Councillor Bobby O’Connell.

Former farmer and Fianna Fáil Donegal TD Niall Blaney, although listed as a candidate for both elections, is seen as a frontrunner for the other seat left vacant by Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, alongside farmer and Fianna Fáil Kerry County Councillor Niall Kelleher; farmer and former Fine Gael Kildare TD Anthony Lawlor; and farmer and Fianna Fáil Kildare Mayor Martin Miley Jnr.

Marshall set for role in Irish Seanad

Two agri seats in Seanad by-election

Politicians and agricultural industry bodies have nominated farmers, vets and other industry professionals for the election of two senators this week.