Seanad bid:Defeated Independent TD Paudge Connolly is to seek a nomination to run for the Seanad.
The Cavan-Monaghan candidate believes he can be a strong voice for reform of health services and other issues in the upper house of the Oireachtas.
Mr Connolly was elected in 2002 when he campaigned for the retention of a full range of services at Monaghan General Hospital. But a surge in support for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in his constituency squeezed his 2002 vote in last week's election.
The father-of-four will be one of 30 defeated TDs clearing out their offices in Leinster House this week.
"I have accepted the decision of voters. That is the democratic process. But I believe I have something to offer in the Seanad," he said. Mr Connolly needs the backing of four Oireachtas members to secure a nomination to one of five panels represented in the Seanad.
A total of 43 senators are elected to represent the sectors of agriculture, labour, cultural and education, industry and commerce, administration. The new Dáil meets on June 14th but Mr Connolly must secure nomination for the Seanad before the June 22nd deadline.