On Morning Ireland this morning Fianna Fail TD Dara Callaery suggested that the Government had a series of referendums planned for next year. The question is what will these be on? Two we know of. They are the long awaited Children’s Rights Referendum and of course a referendum to abolish Seanad Eireann. But what else can we expect? I asked for suggestions on Facebook and Twitter. There was some interesting answers. Most people wanted a Children’s Rights Referendum...
Today has seen a number of events in the race for the Presidency. Firstly the Independent Candidate Mary Davis picked up two further Council nominations with Louth County Council and North Tipperary County Council both voting for Ms Davis as they had not been approached by any other candidates. This brings her total number of nominations to 12. 1997 Presidential Candidate Dana Rosemary Scanlon has today announced her intention to seek an nomination for this years nomination. On tonights...
RTÉ reported last night that a party whip was being applied to Fianna Fail TD’s and Senators to stop them individually nominating Independent candidates. Speaking in an interview aired on RTÉ’s This Week In Politics, Seán Ó Fearghail, The Fianna Fail whip, said the party would act collectively if it chooses to support an independent candidate. This is seen as a blow to the possible return of Senator Norris to the race for the Presidency. The Irish Times today...
The Sunday Independent is reporting that David Norris is to re-enter the race for the Presidency. After withdrawing from the race over the summer I am surprised at his re-entry to the race. His reasons for re-enter seem to be because of the support being shown, but his reason for withdrawal has not changed. Those who withdrew their support for Mr Norris have not changed their mind, though there are talks that some Fianna Fail TD’s and Senators may help...
This week has the campaign for the Irish Presidency has got properly under-way. Official nominations have begun to passed by nominating Local Authorities. So far five local authorities have used there constitutional right to nominate a candidate. Sean Gallagher is the closest independent candidate to gaining a full nomination having received the backing of three councils. Meath County Council, Leitrim County Council have nominated him, while Cork City Council will officially nominate him at a meeting next week following...
This year sees one of the most hotly contested Presidential elections in years. With candidates declaring from all parties and none, it will be interesting to see who actually makes it on to the ballot paper. It is notoriously difficult to get a nomination as Dana found out in 2004 when she attempted to run against the current President Mary McAleese. To be nominated candidates need 20 Oireachtas members to nominate them or 4 city or county councils. The...
The Seanad elections are continuing today and the count for the Labour Panel took place yesterday and concluded last night. There was 21 candidates for 11 seats. 4 candidates had to be elected on each sub-panel. The following were elected: Maurice Cummins (FG) 1st Count (outside panel) Healy-Eames, Fidelma (FG) 4th Count (inside panel) Maloney, Maire (Lab) 6th Count (outside panel) Cullinane, David (SF) 9th Count (inside panel) Mulcahy, Tony (FG) 13th Count (inside panel) Keane, Cait (FG) 13th...
The count for the Agricultural Panel started last night and has continued today in Leinster House. 28 candidates battled it out for 11 seats on this Seanad panel. The quota for this panel was 88,834. At least four candidates must be elected from each sub-panel. The following have been elected. Heffernan, James (Lab) 1st Count (inside panel) Burke, Paddy (FG) 8th Count (outside panel) Bradford, Paul (FG) 14th Count (outside panel) Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor (SF) 17th Count (inside panel)...
The count for the Cultural and Educational Panel came to a close yesterday evening with 5 candidates elected. They were in the following order: Clune, Deridre (FG) 10th Count (inside panel) Ó’Murchú, Labhras (FF) 13th Count (outside panel) Byrne, Thomas (FF) 13th Count (inside panel) Gilroy, John (Lab) 14th Count (inside panel) Mullins , Michael (FG) 14th Count (outside panel) Mullins was elected without reaching the quota. Personally I am delighted to see that Clune was elected to the...
Today Micheal Martin announced his knew frontbench. It would seem that their is a job for everyone in the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party, plus a councillor. Here is the full list: Leader and Spokesperson on Northern Ireland: Micheál Martin TD Deputy Leader and Spokesperson on Finance: Brian Lenihan TD Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade (also Party Whip): Seán Ó Fearghail TD Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Financial Sector Reform: Michael McGrath TD Spokesperson on Public Sector Reform: Sean...
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