‘Non-contentious’ McAleese quits Seanad days before Magdalene report

Martin McAleese, husband of the former president, quit the Seanad yesterday, just days before he unveils the findings of a major investigation into the Magdalene laundries scandal.

Mr McAleese was appointed to the upper house as one of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s nominees in 2011, but kept a very low profile.

Mr McAleese, who rarely voted, did join other independents in voting against cuts to the respite care grant in last December’s budget.