Six new members have been elected to the Medical Council. The doctors were elected by members of the medical profession from a field of 26 medical candidates.

The newly-elected members are Drogheda GP Dr Ruairí Hanley; consultant obstetrician at Holles Street Hospital Dr Colm O'Herlihy; radiologist at Dublin's St Vincent's Hospital Dr Seán Curran; Dr Anthony Breslin, public health specialist in HSE West; Dr Audrey Anne Dillon, who was elected in the junior doctor category, and Dublin anaesthetist Dr Bairbre Anne Golden.

Dr Hanley, who is a well-known medical writer and commentator, topped the poll in his electoral division, gaining nearly 50% of the vote in a contest with 12 other candidates.

During his election campaign, he said for doctors appearing before Council fitness to practise inquiries should not be publicly identified unless found guilty of serious professional misconduct at the end of an inquiry.

Five places on the Council are due to be filled shortly by Health Minister James Reilly and further places on the Council will be filled by nominees from various medical and other bodies.