Wilson misses out on Seanad chair

For the second term in a row Cavan Senator Diarmuid Wilson has missed out on being appointed to one of the Seanad's top job.

The decision to appoint a Cathaoirleach was taken by Fianna Fáil in a private party vote last week.

Once again Mark Daly has pipped his party colleague for the position, which comes with a salary of €135,000 attached.

Sen Wilson, who served on the Administration Panel, is now the longest serving representative in the Upper House. The last Seanad election was his sixth in total, and he is now referred to as 'Father of the House', surpassing David Norris who retired, and following him, Paddy Burke from Mayo.

Similar to five years ago Fianna Fáil held an internal vote among its senators on Tuesday night (February 11) with a view to selecting its nominee for Cathaoirleach.

Sen Daly, who has served as Senator for the Administrative Panel since 2007, served as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann from December 2022 to February 2025 and as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann from June 2020 to December 2022.

The Kerryman received the most support of the 19 Fianna Fáil senators who cast ballots.

He got eight votes in the first round, while Sen Wilson received seven, and Sen Mary Fitzpatrick from Dublin got four.

Upon Sen Fitzpatrick's elimination, two votes went to Mr Daly while two went to Mr Wilson, with Sen Daly reaching the quota as a result.

Nephew of the late John Wilson, a TD, Minister and former Tánaiste, and brother of garda whistleblower John Wilson, Sen Wilson was a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly during the last Seanad term. He also served on the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

In 2020 Sen Wilson initially won an internal Fianna Fáil vote, but ultimately lost out after the process was challenged and the position filled by drawing names from a hat.