Resistance to Martin's Seanad strategy

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and a group of Senators remain about the party’s approach to the upcoming Seanad elections.

Mr Martin had been intent on pursuing a strategy similar to that of Fine Gael after its disastrous general electoral result in 2002, when it dropped outgoing senators with nominations from outside bodies and selected Dáil hopefuls as candidates, but has faced resistance.

Following Fianna Fáil’s reduction in Dáil numbers in the general election from 78 to 20, the party, which had 24 Senators in the last Seanad, can expect to secure between 10 and 14 seats in the new Upper House.

Mr Martin met party Senators this week, after writing to them, to outline his wish to see young women candidates with potential to win Dáil seats among those nominated.

However, a group of outgoing Senators are insisting they will contest the elections. Among them is outgoing Seanad leader Donie Cassidy, from Co Westmeath.

“Anyone who gets the nomination from outside nominating bodies and wants to stand will have the full support of the party. That was the clear understanding of the national executive.”

Mr Cassidy said the “clear understanding” of the national executive, which met on Thursday night, was that Mr Martin “would be strongly suggesting in the forthcoming Seanad election that young candidates, including women, should be taken into account, as should the serious situation in the city of Dublin”.

Roscommon-based Senator Terry Leyden also confirmed he wanted to go forward with a nomination from an outside body. “I’m seeking a nomination to contest the Seanad election, that’s the position,” Mr Leyden said.

Other outgoing Senators who have already declared themselves as candidates are Jim Walsh, Ann Ormonde, Mark Daly and Paschal Mooney. Mary White also wants to go forward.

Also intending to run is Ned O’Sullivan, from Co Kerry, a Senator since 1997, when he was nominated by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.

“With the new situation Fianna Fáil is in, I would obviously be as a Senator expected to take on the reorganisation and rebuilding of the party in Kerry North-Limerick West, and I have given that commitment,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Outgoing Senator John Carty, from Co Mayo, who does not intend to contest the next election, said he understood what Mr Martin was trying to do, but added: “As we’d say in the west of Ireland, he might have put the cart before the horse. There should’ve been a bit more consultation rather than sending the letter first.”

Among the outgoing Fianna Fáil Senators not running again are John Ellis and Camillus Glynn. Francis O’Brien is also not expected to go forward.

The majority of Senators are elected by members of county councils and city councils, members of the incoming Dáil and members of the outgoing Seanad.

Ballot papers will be issued to the electorate on April 7th and the poll will close at 11am on April 26th. Mr Martin has held discussions with councillors this week.

Mr Martin has already said his front bench will not be drawn exclusively from Dáil representatives. The nominees’ geographical location will also be important.

Many constituencies are now without Fianna Fáil representation at a national level, while Dublin has just one TD, Brian Lenihan, in Dublin West.