The next business is the election of a Senator to fill the casual vacancy occasioned by the death of Senator Stephen O'Mara. I have to declare that the following have been duly nominated as candidates:—
Robert Andrew Anderson.—His qualifications are: "By his association with Sir Horace Plunkett in the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society he has done honour to the nation by his useful public service. By his special qualifications and attainments he represents one of the most important aspects of the nation's life."
Patrick Joseph Brady.—His qualifications are: "Solicitor. Ex-President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, 1922. Director Great Southern Railways Co. Director Hibernian Bank. M.P. for the St. Stephen's Green Division of the Borough of Dublin, 1910-18."
Richard A. Butler.—His qualifications are: "Former Senator and Past President of the Irish Farmers' Union."
Sean Milroy.—His qualifications are: "Member of Dáil Eireann from 1921 to October, 1924. Active worker in National movement for last 30 years. Writer on national, political and economic subjects."
John O'Neill.—His qualifications are: "Previous service in Seanad Eireann. Chairman of Industrial Inquiry Commission under the First Dáil. Chairman of the All-Ireland Munitions Committee (1915-1918). Member of the Commission on PostWar Trade."
Frederick Maurice Summerfield.— His qualifications are: "Managing Director, F.M. Summerfield, Ltd., 138 Lr. Baggot Street, Dublin; President, Irish Motor Agents' Association, 1923-24; President, Motor Agents' Association, 1924-25; Vice-President, Irish Motor Agents' Association, 1925-26. Representative of Irish Free State on Council of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (England), 1924-1925-1926."
Those candidates have been duly nominated, and, according to our Standing Orders, the first ballot will be for the selection of three out of the six. On this ballot each Senator is entitled to vote for three, but not more than three, candidates. He may vote for less than three but not for more than three out of the six. There is a ballot box here, and the Clerk will now proceed to give each member a ballot paper. At the time of giving the ballot paper, he will have a roll of the Senators, and I shall ask each Senator, on receiving his ballot paper, to initial the roll. That will prevent confusion hereafter. On one occasion we had a little trouble because we found there was apparently one vote more than the number of Senators present. We will obviate that if each Senator, on receiving his paper, will kindly initial the roll. Senators will understand that they do not sign their ballot paper. They put a mark opposite the three Senators or any lesser number they wish to vote for. They will then kindly come and deposit their papers in the ballot box. The first ballot was taken.