The Labour Party's newest TD says she's "honoured and excited" to represent her home constituency in the Dail for the first time.
Ivana Bacik, who topped the poll in the Dublin Bay South by-election, will be formally welcomed to the Dail today.
The Labour TD received a 30% share of the first preference votes in the first count and was elected after the ninth.
I am so honoured and grateful to have been elected as TD for #DublinBaySouth . Still taking in the news! Huge thanks for all the amazing support & particular thanks to the incredible campaign team led so brilliantly by @dermotryanirl . Onwards & upwards! 🌹 https://t.co/hDYYqLzxvX
— Ivana Bacik (@ivanabacik) July 10, 2021
Deputy Bacik says housing is a "core priority" of hers.
"The first thing I hope to speak on in the Dail will be the issue of housing."
She said she wants to see better protection for renters and protection against rent rises.
"I also want to see a provision for better quality of life, things such as the right to rent an unfurnished home."
The incoming deputy says she's feeling overwhelmed and grateful ahead of her first day in office.