The Labour Party has said speculation that Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore had suggested names of candidates for President Michael D Higgins’s Council of State was without foundation.
Mr Higgins is due to appoint seven people to his Council of State shortly. During the presidential campaign, he said if elected president he would make sure the council was “representative in an inclusive sense”.
The President can convene the council to consider legislation. Aside from the seven appointed members, former presidents, taoisigh and chief justices sit on the council, along with “ex officio” members including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.