Update 7.36pm: Sinn Féin Senator Rose Conway Walsh has criticised Taoiseach Enda Kenny for returning to the “old backroom deals approach that kept Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in power since the foundation of the state”, saying that “this is not the new politics that we were promised.”
Speaking tonight, the Mayo Senator and Sinn Féin Seanad Leader said: “The Taoiseach promised a new politics and Fianna Fáil said that they were in opposition to the Government.
“It is clear from the list of appointees to the Seanad that the promise of new politics by the Taoiseach is betrayed by his actions. The bulk of his nominees are a band of former Fine Gael elected representatives.
“It is also clear that the pretence of Fianna Fáil being independent of Government is laid bare by the claim that they put forward three of the Taoiseach’s nominees as part of a deal.
“This is not the new politics that we were promised. This is the outworking of the old backroom deals approach that kept Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in power since the foundation of the state.
“This deal demonstrates the need of immediate and fundamental Seanad reform, which is why Sinn Féin are proposing a Committee on Seanad Reform in order to bring about real change.”
Earlier:
Two former ministers have been chosen among the Taoiseach’s 11 nominees to the Seanad writes Elaine Loughlin.
James Reilly and Paudie Coffey have been selected to the Upper House.
Enda Kenny has also selected broadcaster Marie-Louise O’Donnell, businessman Pádraig Ó’Céidigh and the founder of Pieta House Joan Freeman.
He has advised the President to convene the first meeting of the new Seanad on Wednesday June 8 at 3pm.
The eleven nominees are:
1. Paudie Coffey (former Senator, Dail deputy and Minister of State)
2. Joan Freeman (Founder of Pieta House)
3. Michelle Mulherrin (former Dail deputy)
4. Ray Butler (former Dail deputy)
5. Frank Feighan (former Senator and Dail deputy)
6. John O’Mahony (former Dail deputy)
7. Dr James Reilly (Former TD and Minister)
8. Billy Lawless (advocate for Irish immigrants in the U.S.)
9. Colette Kelleher (CEO Alzheimers Ireland)
10. Pádraig Ó’Céidigh (Businessman)
11. Marie-Louise O’Donnell (Former Senator)
