Fine Gael TDs were ‘shocked’ by FF Seanad nominees

The selection of three of the Taoiseach's 11 Seanad nominees by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin came as a major surprise to Fine Gael Ministers and TDs, according to party sources.

“To say some of us were stunned would be an understatement,’’ said a Fine Gael TD.

"I heard it while driving in my constituency from Mary Wilson on RTÉ's Drivetime and I nearly crashed the car with the shock.''

Senior colleagues were unaware of Enda Kenny’s agreement with Mr Martin.

The Fianna Fáil leader chose the founder of the suicide prevention centre Pieta House, Joan Freeman, chief executive of Alzheimer's Ireland Colette Kelleher and businessman Pádraig Ó Céidigh as nominees.

Apart from Billy Lawless, advocate for Irish emigrants in the US, and broadcaster Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Mr Kenny chose former party TDs as his nominees.

Fine Gael sources said Mr Kenny waited until last Friday evening, when the Dáil was not sitting and TDs had returned to their constituencies, to make the announcement.

“It gave him the weekend as a breathing space,’’ said a TD.

“There is unease, but many will see it as the political price to be paid for being a minority government.’’

Mr Kenny, who was being lobbied over the positions since the general election results in February, appears to have taken no soundings from within Fine Gael about the three Fianna Fáil nominees.

“He could not do so under any circumstances,’’ said a party source.

“There would have been blood on the floor, given that so many Fine Gael people were hoping to be chosen.’’

‘Last act’

A Fine Gael TD said it was probably Mr Kenny’s last act of significant political patronage, given that, on his own admission, he will not lead the party into the next general election.

“Apart from Micheál’s three, if you look closely you can see he rewarded past loyalty,’’ the TD said.

The consensus was that Mr Kenny is unlikely to suffer any significant backlash from within the party organisation.

“There are some remaining jobs for TDs,’’ said a party source. “Committee positions have to be filled and don’t forget we have more Ministers than ever.’’

Another source said the practicalities of politics meant sharing some of the spoils of office with Fianna Fáil.

“Mind you, if the Fianna Fáil tail is seen to be wagging the Fine Gael dog down the road, there could be unease,’’ the source said.

Fianna Fáil sources said there would be some disquiet that Mr Martin did not secure the three places for aspiring Fianna Fáil TDs.

“The three people he nominated are excellent in their respective areas, but there are some ambitious councillors a little peeved,’’ said an FF TD. “But there will be no public criticism.’’

Meanwhile, another Seanad job, the post of Cathaoirleach, is expected to go to Fianna Fáil’s Denis O’Donovan.