New Seanad to hold first sitting
The new Seanad meets for the first time later.
The 60 new Senators, among them including Dr Martin McAleese, husband of the President, will meet for the first time at 2.30pm this afternoon.
In the chair will be David Norris, who has the longest continual service.
The first item will be the election of a new Cathaoirleach, expected to be Paddy Burke,
Mayo man and close friend of Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
The new Seanad leader will also take their place, with former Fine Gael TD Deirdre Clune among those expected to be vying for that job.
However the future of the parliament's upper house remains in doubt as the Government has promised a constitutional referendum on the issue of abolishing the Seanad, expected next year.
