
She's now received the backing of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
A midlands councillor looks set to be unopposed in her bid to win a seat in the Seanad.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will both support the Green Party's Pippa Hackett to replace Grace O'Sullivan - who has become an MEP.
If elected, Councillor Hackett would be the only sitting senator from the Laois/Offaly area.
She says she isn't worried about a looming general election and the possibility of a short term in the Seanad: