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Senators Denis O'Donovan (left) and David Norris shake hands at the first meeting of the 24th Seanad. Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
Seanad
24th Seanad elects Fianna Fáil senator as Leas Chathaoirleach
Senator Denis O’Donovan was elected the Seanad’s Leas Chathaoirleach unopposed.
FIANNA FÁIL SENATOR DENIS O’Donovan has been elected unopposed to become Leas Chathaoirleach of the new Seanad.
Echoing comments made by his fellow senator David Norris on the first day of the 24th Seanad, O’Donovan said today that this Seanad would be under greater scrutiny than its predecessors and could be the last-ever session.
The government has pledged to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad.
“Therefore,” he said, “it is now more important than ever, that this current Seanad demonstrates that it can contribute in a significant and meaningful way to the legislative process. We need to demonstrate that the Seanad can play a constructive role in helping to tackle some of the problems facing the country.”
O’Donovan, a Cork South West senator on the agricultural panel, thanked his fellow senators for electing him to the position and said he would “endeavour to repay” their faith in him.
Former Leas Chathaoirleach Paddy Burke, a Fine Gael senator, was chosen last week as the 24th Seanad’s Cathaoirleach.
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