Newly elected Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger has officially taken her seat in the Dáil. As family members and friends watched from the public gallery, the Socialist Party TD was accompanied into the chamber by constituency and party colleague Joe Higgins.

Longford-Westmeath TD Gabrielle McFadden will be welcomed to the Dáil today by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who was in Brussels yesterday with Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.

Ms Coppinger (47) was formally welcomed by Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett who said he hoped her time in the Dáil would be “a productive and a happy one”.

Long commitment
The new TD, who won the byelection caused by the resignation of former Labour TD Patrick Nulty over sending inappropriate messages on social media, was also formally introduced to other party leaders.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin told Ms Coppinger, “You have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public life and public affairs” and said he looked forward “to many a spirited and engaging debate”.

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, who was standing in for the Taoiseach, also congratulated Ms Coppinger on taking her seat.

'Deepest appreciation' 
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, speaking in Irish, welcomed Ms Coppinger on behalf of Sinn Féin and said, "With the help of God we will be able to work together on behalf of the people of the State and of the island".

Mr Higgins offered the people of Dublin West the “deepest appreciation of the Socialist Party and the Anti-Austerity Alliance” for their vote.

He said Ms Coppinger had been a sterling fighter for the ordinary people of Dublin West for a very long time.