James Reilly tipped to be one of Taoiseach’s nominees for Seanad

James Reilly, the former children’s minister, is tipped to be among the Taoiseach’s nominees to the Seanad.

Enda Kenny has 11 positions to fill in the Upper House and is expected to announce these as soon as this week.

Mr Kenny is also due to appoint junior ministers, but this may not happen until the Dáil resumes next week.

He is delaying the appointment so new and reconfigured departments have time to reorganise the remit and responsibilities of appointed junior ministers.

There is speculation that Meath East TD Helen McEntee, Wicklow’s Andrew Doyle, Offaly’s Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Damien English of Meath West, and Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan could receive positions.

It is understood that John Halligan of the Independent Alliance could be given responsibility for tourism and sport, meaning Michael Ring would change portfolio. Fellow Alliance member Sean Canney has also been promised a junior ministry.

Unlike the last Seanad, where the Taoiseach nominated a number of Independents — including Olympian Eamonn Coghlan, Jillian van Turnhout of the Children’s Rights Alliance, and broadcaster Marie Louise O’Donnell — this time he will be unable to do so because of the numbers.

Fianna Fáil has 14 members in the Seanad while Fine Gael has 13, so Mr Kenny will be under pressure to choose as many of his nominees from his party.

Among those tipped for a Seanad position are Mr Reilly, who failed to retain his Dáil seat in the general election. His appointment could mean he stays deputy leader of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

Other Fine Gael members tipped for Seanad seats include Anne Marie Dermody, who ran for the Dáil in Dublin South West, as well as Sean Barrett, Paudie Coffey, and Michelle Mulherin.

Also in contention is Tom Hayes, a former junior minister, but he faces competition from fellow Tipperary member Noel Coonan. Both lost seats in the election.

Even with the 11 Taoiseach nominees, the make-up of the Seanad means votes may be tight.

Newly elected Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer said the success of the last Seanad was down to cross-party cooperation, adding that this would be even more important in the 24th Seanad.

“It’s exciting to be part of this Seanad. Because of the numbers it will have a different emphasis,” he said.

Senator Maura Hopkins said: “Every piece of legislation is going to be scrutinised and in terms of every vote, it will be tight.”