When it comes to the Seanad the constitution gives the Taoiseach 11 nominations to overcome any shortfall from a majority. But RTE has just learned live on air that as part of his deal with Fianna Fáil Micheal Martin got to name three of them.
The three are Jane Freeman who is a founder of Pieta House and has sworn her independence, Collette Kelleher is CEO ofAlzheimer’s Ireland and Pádraig Ó’Céidigh who is a businessman.
That is they are specialists in mental health, business and Alzheimer’s. Chosen, according to one party insider, because these are three areas that need a national focus. None are party members.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty