'She served with distinction in this House' - Catherine Connolly toast of the Dail as she's first sitting TD elected to Aras since 1973

"Catherine Connolly is the first sitting TD to be elected President since Erskine Childers in 1973, more than half a century ago, the Dáil has heard."

"Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy hailed the result on the resumption of the Dáil today, noting it was the first time that a sitting female TD had successfully contested a Presidential election."

Catherine Connolly has been elected President, becoming the first sitting TD to be elected President since Erskine Childers in 1973, more than half a century ago. The Dáil heard this development on resumption. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy hailed the result on the resumption of the Dáil, noting the historical nature of the outcome. Murphy noted that it was the first time a sitting female TD had successfully contested a Presidential election. The election therefore marks both a return of a sitting TD to the presidency after decades and a milestone for female representation among sitting TDs.

Read at Irish Independent