An intense battle for the post of Cathaoirleach of the Seanad is gathering momentum within Fianna Fáil. There is now no certainty that the job will go to the party's deputy leader and former minister, Ms Mary O'Rourke.
Ms O'Rourke is expected to be included in the Taoiseach's 11 nominees for the Seanad when they are announced later this week. It was speculated before the Seanad elections that Ms O'Rourke, who lost her Westmeath Dáil seat in the general election, would be nominated to the post by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
However, it now seems that Mr Ahern will follow a precedent set by successive Fianna Fáil Taoisigh, and allow the Fianna Fáil members of the Seanad choose the Cathaoirleach.
Given that the Government will have a majority in the new Seanad, their nominee will automatically get the post. Ms O'Rourke may be appointed to the post of Leader of the House by Mr Ahern.
Established Fianna Fáil senators are now likely to lobby for support before the new Seanad makes its choice in September. They include Mr Paschal Mooney, Mr Camillus Glynn and Mr Rory Kiely. Others who may consider their options include Mr Eddie Bohan, Mr Francis O'Brien, Mr Liam Fitzgerald, Mr Jim Walsh, Ms Margaret Cox and Ms Anne Ormande.
Despite having served in the Seanad before and as a senior minister in a number of Fianna Fáil-led governments, Ms O'Rourke would have to battle for a job. Critical to what happens will be the attitude of the newly elected Fianna Fáil senators.
