The Daily Star Ireland
Broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn has officially stepped down from her role at RTÉ after being appointed as a Fine Gael senator by Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Harris praised Ní Chuilinn’s transition into politics, highlighting her achievements as a journalist, broadcaster, and author. He emphasized her dedication to advocating for women in sports, mental health, and women’s healthcare, stating that she would be a valuable addition to the Fine Gael team. He also noted that her appointment reflects the party’s commitment to equality of opportunity and expressed confidence in her ability to bring her experience and energy to the Seanad and the communities she will serve.
Ní Chuilinn, in response to her appointment, expressed her enthusiasm for the new role. She acknowledged the opportunity given to her by the Tánaiste and looked forward to contributing as part of the Fine Gael team in government. Reflecting on her career, she noted that while she would miss her two decades in sports broadcasting, she was eager to continue advocating for the issues she has been passionate about.
She reiterated her commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports, minority sports, and the Irish language. She also referenced her personal experiences with mental health, infertility, and women’s healthcare, pledging to use her new platform to champion these causes that impact many people across Ireland.
RTÉ released a statement extending their best wishes to Ní Chuilinn as she embarks on this new chapter. The broadcaster acknowledged her significant contributions to RTÉ Sport since joining in 2004, where she covered live GAA events in both English and Irish for the Sunday Game and Sunday Game Beo.
Her expertise and professionalism were evident in her central role during RTÉ’s coverage of major sporting events, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. RTÉ also highlighted her work as the author of The Great Irish Book of Gaelic Games and her lifelong involvement in camogie and Gaelic football, recognizing her as a strong advocate for increasing female participation in sports.
Ní Chuilinn is among 11 individuals nominated to the Seanad by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. This follows last week’s election of the other 49 members of the Seanad.
As per the Irish Constitution, the Taoiseach has the authority to appoint 11 members to the 60-seat Upper House of the Oireachtas. However, under the Coalition agreement, these nominations were divided, with six going to Fianna Fáil and five to Fine Gael, in line with Fianna Fáil’s stronger performance in the General Election.
Among Fianna Fáil’s six appointees are Limerick mayoral candidate Dee Ryan, former Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, broadcaster and Louth general election candidate Alison Comyn, Dublin-based Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee, Tipperary South councillor and general election candidate Imelda Goldsboro, and former Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty.
Fine Gael’s additional four nominees include returning Donegal-based Senator Nikki Bradley, Cork Councillor Noel O’Donovan, as well as councillors Gareth Scahill from Roscommon and Manus Boyle from Donegal.
