THE Government has imposed a three line whip for the Seanad by election to fill the vacancy left by the death of the Cathaoirleach, Mr Sean Fallon.
The by election has a Northern flavour. The Rainbow Coalition is supporting Mr Sam McAughtry, from Belfast, a broadcaster, journalist and columnist with the Irish Field. His main rival is Mr Paddy O'Hanlon, from Newry, a barrister and former Northern Ireland MP, who is running as an Independent but with Fianna Fail endorsement.
The electorate consists of members of the Dail and Seanad and ballot papers were sent to them by registered post last Friday.
Most of the parties have arranged for voting to take place on Wednesday in their rooms at Leinster House, and the count will be held on February 23rd.
Mr McAughtry is a long time trade union activist and was a member of the now defunct Northern Ireland Labour Party. He was chairman of the Peace Train Organisation. Although labelled by opponents as a Democratic Left sympathiser, he points out that he is not a member of any party and his candidacy was originally proposed by the Labour Party chairman, Mr Jim Kemmy.
Mr McAughtry also rejects the unionist label. "I don't apologise for saying I certainly want to remain in the United Kingdom" - but he says the unionists "should come to the table and talk and stop messing around".
On paper the figures favour Mr McAughtry but Mr O'Hanlon claims there are some on the coalition side unhappy with its candidate.
An early civil rights activist and founder member of the SDLP, he was elected an MP to the old Stormont and the assembly leading to the Sunningdale agreement. "I would not be in this race if there was a more imaginative choice by the Government such as Gary McMichael or David Ervine," said.
The combined membership of the Dail and Seanad at present is 223, with the Government holding 113 of those seats. There are five Independent TDs and five Independent senators and the Government expects to get three or four votes from this quarter.
Coalition sources rejected the notion that some of their TDs and senators may feel unable to support Mr McAughtry against a Northern nationalist: "It would be a serious blow to the concept of talks between the unionists and the Irish Government if the signal went out that Sam McAughtry, wasn't acceptable for that reason.
The coalition parties have not got a majority in the Seanad at present and the Government has lost a number of votes there since it took office. The election of Mr McAughtry would make its position a lot more secure.
The Progressive Democrats are not running a candidate and the party says it is allowing a free vote.