Flaherty to seek Seanad nod after losing Dáil seat in Longford Westmeath

Fianna Fáil's Joe Flaherty, who lost his Dáil seat in the Longford Westmeath constituency at last weekend's general election, is to seek a seat in Seanad Eireann.

Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy confirmed to Shannonside radio that his Longford colleague was seeking to become a Senator.

And Deputy Troy hinted that Flaherty might not need to contest the upcoming Seanad election as he could be appointed directly by party leader Micheál Martin.

"I can confirm that Joe will be running for the Seanad, and he may even be a Senator before the Seanad elections take place," stated Deputy Troy.

Flaherty came sixth in the five-seat Longford Westmeath constituency at last Friday's general election, with 5,231 first preferences.

The Seanad elections are due to get underway next month, with Athlone Fianna Fáil councillor Aengus O'Rourke also among those hoping to become a Senator.

In other post-election news, Athlone TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has teamed up with seven other Independent TDs in order to secure speaking time in the Dáil chamber and positions on Oireachtas committees.

The Regional Group of Independents could also be part of government formation talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The group consists of 'Boxer' Moran, Michael Lowry, Sean Canney, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Verona Murphy.