Fine Gael Seanad leader to vote against its abolition

The Coalition’s efforts to abolish the Seanad faces an embarrassing setback after Fine Gael’s Seanad leader, Maurice Cummins, said he opposed the campaign and insisted the upper house should be retained.

As the Fine Gael parliamentary party meets in Co Laois yesterday and today for its annual “think-in”, Mr Cummins said the Oct 4 vote on whether or not to get rid of the Seanad could be a lot closer than people think.

Despite his party driving ahead with its campaign, Mr Cummins said he would not be lobbying voters either way on the issue and will be voting against the referendum.