Dáil-elected husband and wife duo look forward to working together

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A husband and wife who were both elected to Dáil Éireann are looking forward to working together, describing it as “a rare experience”.

Colm Brophy, a TD for Dublin South-West, and Maeve O’Connell, a TD for Dublin Rathdown, said ahead of the Dáil’s first meeting that they were looking forward to the coming term.

Mr Brophy said it was “a very special experience” for the both of them.

He added: “Obviously, the opportunity to be a husband and wife team in this Dáil is a very rare experience. It doesn’t happen that often, and we’re really looking forward to it.

“The opportunity to serve as a TD is a very unusual thing. Not many people in the whole country ever get that opportunity. I’ve no doubt Maeve will do an absolutely excellent job.”

Ms O’Connell said it was a “very joyous, positive day” and said she was looking forward to making a difference to her constituents.

Asked if – with the three-week election campaign, polling day on November 29th, and now the Dáil’s return – they had got their Christmas shopping done, Mr Brophy said “not a single thing”.

Ms O’Connell added: “And it’s my birthday in two days’ time and he just told me this morning he has nothing for me.”

Mr Brophy said: “Thanks for sharing that. I will – by the 20th – I will have something.

“We’re actually going to go down to Cork, Maeve is from Cork originally, so we’re going to spend the 20th down in Cork, and I have to find something – the English Market’s getting a visit.”