I have to inform the Seanad that a nomination paper has been received for the existing vacancy in the Seanad, caused by the resignation of Colonel Sir Hutcheson Poë. The gentleman nominated is Dr. Douglas Hyde, of 1 Earlsfort Place, Dublin, and his qualifications are set out by his nominator as follows:— Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Literature, President of the Gaelic League, President of the Irish Texts Society, Member of the Royal Commission on Irish University Education, Professor of Modern History in the National University, and a writer of numerous works in Irish and English. Dr. Hyde being the only candidate duly nominated, his name will now be submitted for ballot.
ELECTION OF SENATOR.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
May I take it that it would be in order to propose Dr. Douglas Hyde?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
No; it would be quite out of order. The Seanad will recollect that all this matter was gone into pretty fully in May last and for the very purpose of preventing this, the Standing Orders were altered and new Standing Orders were passed under which nominations will be directly put from the Chair. The main object was to consider the dignity of the Seanad and avoid having this assembly turned into a sort of publicity board. Our action was taken deliberately.
Would it be in order for me to offer a personal explanation? Sir Simon Maddock asked me to withdraw his name in order that Dr. Douglas Hyde would be unanimously elected. I wish to say that now, as the election does not appear to take the form of a unanimous election, even though there is only one candidate put forward.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
That is also out of order. If the Seanad will just consider the matter they will see they are not consulting the dignity of the assembly. Our procedure is now settled definitely. Senator Gogarty got in what he had to say before I could stop him. I hope the fact that he was permitted to say what he did say will not be taken as a precedent on future occasions.
Could we have some information as to the length of time the Senator who is to be now elected will hold office?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The Constitution sets out that.
There was a public announcement on the subject in one of the papers.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Really we cannot be concerned with what the papers say on that matter. If we are to have our Standing Orders and our Constitution interpreted for us by the papers I do not know where we will eventually find ourselves.
Can you tell us under what conditions the new Senator will hold office, and what will be his tenure of office?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I can only say, in reply to that, that you will find it all in the Constitution.
Ballot papers having been distributed and collected,
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I have great pleasure in announcing that Dr. Douglas Hyde has been unanimously elected as a member of the Seanad.
Would it be in order for Dr. Hyde to take the oath now?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
If the Senator desires to take the oath, he can do so now by coming to the Table.
took and subscribed the oath.