Harney was not the youngest senator

IN the media coverage of Mary Harney’s resignation as PD leader, it was noted on the airwaves and in many newspapers — including your own — that in 1977 the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, appointed her to the Seanad, and that at the age of 24 she was the youngest ever member of the Upper House.

This is not correct. The person who holds this record is Senator Paul Bradford of Fine Gael, who was first elected to the Seanad in 1987 at the age of 23.

He has since served three terms in the Dáil and was again elected to the Seanad in 2002.

As was illustrated by your coverage of Ms Harney’s resignation, she has achieved much during her political career.

This is one achievement, however, which she will have to credit to somebody else.

Barry Walsh

Brookfield Hall

Castletroy

Co Limerick