RTÉ sports broadcaster and journalist Evanne Ní Chuilinn is to join Fine Gael and become a senator.
Fine Gael made the announcement on Friday evening, as she was one of 11 nominees by the Taoiseach to the Seaned.
Ms Ní Chuilinn has resigned from her role at RTÉ.
Speaking upon her appointment, Evanne Ní Chuilinn said: “Becoming a Fine Gael Senator is an honour and gives me an opportunity to advance change on a wide range of issues affecting Irish life.
“I have enjoyed a varied and exciting career in sports broadcasting for more than two decades - one which I will miss and I am grateful to have had.
“I have never taken for granted the platform my career has afforded me and have been conscious to use my voice in advocating for issues that I’ve had lived experience of.
“I am passionate about women and girls in sport, minority sports and an Ghaeilge, and as I enter public life, I will continue to live by those passions. I have spoken publicly on private matters such as suicide, mental health, women's health, and infertility.
"These are issues which I know impact so many people across the country and I want, where I can, to be an advocate for them.
“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity by the Tánaiste and I look forward to working with my new colleagues, delivering for Ireland as part of the Fine Gael team in government.”
Other nominations include former Fianna Fáil TD Anne Rabbitte, who lost her seat in the general election.
Elsewhere for Fianna Fáil is Lorraine Clifford-Lee, who lost her Seanad seat in the election; Limerick mayoral election candidate Dee Ryan; Tipperary councillor Imelda Goldsboro and Louth election candidate and former broadcaster Alison Comyn.
For Fine Gael, Nikki Bradley – who was previously appointed to the Seanad last year; Cllr Noel O’Donovan who ran for the party in the general election in Cork South-West, Donegal’s Cllr Manus Boyle and Cllr Gareth Scahill from Roscommon make up the nominations.
