- Coghlan and Kenny are now in same party.
Former track star Eamonn Coghlan, a member of the Irish Senate, has joined Fine Gael.
Senator Coghlan was welcomed into the ranks of the main government party by Taoiseach Enda Kenny outside Leinster House Tuesday.
Coincidentally, both are flying to the U.S. this week. Kenny is on a primarily economic mission to New York while Coghlan will be attending the Millrose Games in Manhattan on Saturday, Feb. 11.
The Taoiseach said he was "very happy" to receive Coghlan's request to join Fine Gael.
Kenny said he had appointed Coghlan to the Seanad because of his achievements as an athlete and his charity work.
"I'm thrilled today that he himself has decided to join the Fine Gael party," Kenny said.
Coghlan was asked by a reporter if he would now be running for a Dáil seat.
The seven-time Wanamaker Mile winner said that right now his focus was on becoming a member of Fine Gael.
"We'll take it from there," he said.
