Four Galway Fine Gaelers are seeking seats in the next Seanad, but if any are successful, will they sit a full term in the Upper House or one lasting only two years?
Fidelma Healy Eames, who was a member of the previous Seanad, and county councillor Peter Feeney have both received nominations from FG to run for election. Sen Healy Eames is seeking a seat on the Labour panel and Cllr Feeney a seat on the Agricultural panel.
FG county councillors Tom McHugh and Michael Mullins have received nominations from other bodies and will also be contesting the Seanad elections. Voting for the Seanad election will take place at the end of next month.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny also has the right to appoint 11 new Senators and there has been some speculation that he may appoint city councillor Hildegarde Naughton, although it remains at best, only an outside chance.
However FG is proposing to abolishing the Seanad and party insiders in Galway feel that the Upper House’s days are numbered.
“This is going to be the last Seanad,” one source told the Galway Advertiser. “It might not even last its full five-year term, but one thing that is certain is that a proposal will come forward to abolish the Seanad and we feel the people will support that.”
