The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, this evening announced eleven Seanad nominees, completing make-up of the 22nd Seanad.
The Taoiseach's nominees include:
Former public enterprise minister Mrs Mary O'Rourke,
Senator Dr Maurice Hayes,
Former TD Mr Brendan Kennelly,
Former TD Michael Kitt,
Limerick councillor Mr Michael Brennan,
Dublin councillor Mr Cyprian Brady,
Former senator Mr Pat Moylan,
PD Celbridge councillor Ms Kate Walsh,
Former Dublin West PD candidate Mr Tom Morrissey,
PD party leader in the Seanad Mr John Dardis,
PD chairman Mr John Minihan.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Brian Cowen, has been appointed the new deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, succeeding Mrs O'Rourke.