A number of government ministers who lost their seats last weekend are planning to run for Seanad Éireann in next month's elections.
The Sunday Times reports Ged Nash, Aodhan O'Riordain and Paudie Coffey are seeking nominations from the Labour Party and Fine Gael.
It also says former Fine Gael TDs Jerry Buttimer, Kieran O'Donnell, Ray Butler, Aine Collins and Labour's Joanna Tuffy and Michael McNamara are planning to contest the elections.
Nominations for the university panel closed on Thursday, while all other nominations will close on March 21.
