O'Rourke linked with Seanad nomination

Defeated Fianna Fail candidate Mary O’Rourke is due to take a position in the Seanad after losing her Dail seat, according to speculation this morning.

The national newspapers are predicting that Ms O’Rourke, the outgoing Minister for Public Enterprise, will be among 11 senators to be nominated by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

The nomination will spare the 64-year-old politician from another election and will give the new Government a majority in the Seanad.

There are reports this morning that Ms O’Rourke could even be appointed as Cathaorleach of the Seanad.