In Leinster House for the unveiling of photographs of former Seanad leaders on Tuesday were: at back, Maurice Manning, Mick Lanigan and G.V. Wright; seated, Jim Dooge, M.J. O'Higgins, Brian Mullooly, Donie Cassidy, Gemma Hussey and Eoin Ryan Snr.
Former taoisigh, once they leave public life, have their portraits hung in Leinster House, as do Dail cinn comhairligh; cathaoirligh of the Seanad are commemorated in photographs displayed along speakers' corridor. It is undecided where the pictures will be hung of the 13 leaders of the Seanad who have filled the position since it came into being in 1938, but they may go to the extension (due to be opened in October) where there will be plenty of wall-space to fill.
Jim Dooge, in an impromptu speech, said that when he wondered about the difference between the Dail and the Seanad he remembered a story from Tony Barry, father of Peter, who served in both houses. It could be defined, he said, by the seats. In the Seanad, members sat in armchairs which clearly indicated they were meant to listen and reflect on what was being said. In the Dail, the seats were spring-back, so interruptions were the order of the day. The camaraderie surrounding the unveiling took a downturn on the Order of Business the following morning when Senator Shane Ross drew attention to the fact that all the pictures were the same size except that of the current leader. To much laughter he told senators that the photograph of Donie Cassidy was a couple of inches longer and wider than all the others.