Senator Diarmuid Wilson did not receive the Fianna Fail nomination for the position of Cathaoirleach of the Seanad this afternoon.
He was thought to be the main contender for the role prior to the nominations this afternoon according to Michael O’Regan, a former Irish Times parliamentary correspondent.
He said that Senator Wilson’s “time has come”, however, Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers proposed party colleague Senator Mark Daly to take the position and he was subsequently elected.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil's Brendan Smith is being tipped for the position of Leas Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil with O'Regan stating that Deputy Smith is a “strong contender".
Minister Heather Humphreys told Shannonside Northern Sound that both men are “very experienced” and would “do an excellent job”.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, before today's election, Michael O’Regan said Diarmuid Wilson was the betting man’s choice to be named Cathaoirleach of the Seanad:
