Analysis: Deal over top Seanad post signals new politics at work

Today’s first meeting of the newly elected Seanad will give a strong indication of how the new politics will work in the Upper House.

A possible sign of things to come will be if, as expected, Denis O’Donovan of Fianna Fáil is elected as cathaoirleach with the support of Fine Gael, and the favour is returned with the election of a Fine Gael leas-cathaoirleach in a week’s time.

While there has been much speculation that the Government could face serious difficulties getting its legislation through the Seanad, the opposite could well be the case if the new politics delivers on its promise.

There are more Independents in this Seanad than any previous one since the current House was established on the basis of the 1937 Constitution. Still, the partnership deal between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil has the capacity to allow the institution to run relatively smoothly.

The appointment of the Taoiseach’s 11 nominees has made Fine Gael the biggest party in the Seanad. But the deal between Enda Kenny and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on the formation of the Government included a provision that O’Donovan, who is currently leas cathaoirleach, would be promoted to the top job.

Fine Gael has 20 of the 60 Seanad seats, and one or two more of the Taoiseach’s nominees are regarded as reliable supporters.

When the 14 Fianna Fáil senators are included, it means that where the parties agree they will have no difficulty in getting legislation through the Seanad.

Few short

Even if Fianna Fáil abstains on crucial votes, Fine Gael will only be a few votes short. And with 14 Independents of varying hues in the mix, the Government could negotiate its way through some tricky situations.

Ministers have traditionally been more open to amendments on legislation in the Seanad than in the Dáil. If this practice is continued and even developed, it could ease potential headaches in the period ahead.

“I think the Government could even have an easier time in this Seanad than in the last one, when we were in a minority,” said one experienced Fine Gael senator.

“The atmosphere between the two big parties is very good and there are all sorts of parliamentary devices that we can use to smooth out difficulties once the will is there.”

The breakdown of party strength in the Seanad is Fine Gael, 20; Fianna Fáil, 14; Sinn Féin, 7; and Labour, 5.

The Independent university senators have split into two groups and recruited a number of other Independents to their ranks.

One group of six is made up of Trinity Senator David Norris and NUI Senators Michael McDowell and Rónán Mullen, along with former Progressive Democrat councillor Victor Boyhan; Gerard Craughwell and Pieta House founder Joan Freeman.

Group of six

Another group of six is composed of Trinity Senator Lynn Ruane and NUI Senator Alice Mary Higgins. They have joined with Grace O’Sullivan from the Green Party, singer Frances Black, Alzheimer Society chief executive Colette Kelleher and John Dolan, chief executive of the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Two other Independent Senators appointed by the Taoiseach – Marie Louise O’Donnell and Pádraig Ó Céidigh – have not joined either group. They will vote on issues as they arise, but are expected to vote with the Government on a regular basis.

Former minister for children James Reilly is expected to be appointed Fine Gael leader in the Seanad.

Other former TDs who have also been mentioned as potential Seanad leaders are Joe O’Reilly, Kieran O’Donnell, Paudie Coffey and Jerry Buttimer.

As is usual, when a new Seanad meets, there will be just one item on the agenda: the election of cathaoirleach. Norris, as father of the House, will take the chair to accept nominations.

Once the cathaoirleach is selected, the House is expected to adjourn for a week. The leas-cathaoirleach will be elected when it next meets.