Taoiseach thanks McAleese on his retirement from Seanad

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has paid tribute to Martin McAleese who has announced that he is resigning his Seanad seat.

Mr Kenny thanked the husband of former president Mary McAleese for his work on the interdepartmental report on the Magdalene laundries which is due to be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Mr Kenny also paid tribute to Mr McAleese’s “continued dedication to bridge building in Northern Ireland”.

Mr McAleese was appointed to the Seanad as one of the Taoiseach’s nominees in May 2011.

In a letter to the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Paddy Burke, Mr McAleese said: “I am particularly grateful for the way in which the Seanad contributed to a number of bridge-building initiatives, most particularly its historic invitation to the Orange Order.

“The success of that ground-breaking initiative augurs well for the continued, steady consolidation of peace and good neighbourliness between those who share this island,” he said.