Fine Gael’s Gabrielle McFadden has been appointed Government Chief Whip in the Seanad.

The Longford Westmeath Senator has also been given the role of Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Defence.

Senator McFadden says she is humbled to learn that she is the first female Government Chief Whip in the Seanad.

She says, with Regina Doherty serving as Government Chief Whip in the Dáil, it represents great progression for women in Irish politics.