Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald tonight lost out in picking up a prestigious European award.
Ms McDonald was one of two Irish politicians including Independent Kathy Sinnott to be shortlisted for the MEP of the Year accolade.
She was selected in the Employment and Workers Rights category but missed out on the title to German socialist Evelyne Gebhardt.
Ms McDonald congratulated Ms Gebhardt during the ceremony last night in Brussels and said she was honoured to have been shortlisted for the award.
"Workers rights will continue to be of the uppermost priority for Sinn Féin in the party's parliamentary work," she said. Ms McDonald has a background in trade unions and employment and was elected to the European Parliament in 2004.
The European Parliament Magazine The Parliamenthas been organising the annual event since 2005.
MEPs were required to vote for the most capable Parliamentarians in ten categories, with three MEPs selected for each.
Ms Sinnott was shortlisted in the Campaigning category, the results of which are expected tomorrow.