Fianna Fáil senator Mark Daly expected to become next Seanad Cathaoirleach

RN Senator Mark Daly

Senator Mark Daly is expected to be the next Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, after Fianna Fáil senators back him in private party vote.

Fianna Fáil held an internal vote among its senators on Tuesday night to select its nominee for the Cathaoirleach position in the Seanad.

Mr Daly beat both his party colleagues, Diarmuid Wilson and Mary Fitzpatrick, to take the nomination, receiving the most support of the 19 Fianna Fáil senators.

The Kerry Senator received eight total votes in the first round, while Mr Wilson received seven while Ms Fitzpatrick received four.

Upon Ms Fitzpatrick's elimination, two votes went to Mr Daly while two went to Mr Wilson.

This saw Mr Daly reach the quota and be made Fianna Fáil’s candidate for Seanad Cathaoirleach.

One party source said that Mr Daly’s relationships with US politicians made him a good pick for the position, with the Senator having served in the role previously.

“Mark has friendships and allegiances [in the US] built up over a long period of time,” they said.

It is expected that Mr Daly will be elected as Cathaoirleach on Wednesday, when the new Seanad holds its first meeting.

The position of Cathaoirleach comes with a salary of €135,000 attached.