Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann launches ‘Northern Voices’ exhibition as part of Seanad100 commemorations

‘Northern Voices’ is the third exhibition to mark the Upper House’s centenary celebrations. In keeping with the ‘Minority Voices, Major Changes’ theme of the year, the exhibition aims to highlight the role that the Seanad has played in providing a platform for the representation of unionist and Protestant voices, who found themselves in the minority following the foundation of the new state. Seanad Éireann transitioned over time to represent other voices and communities.

The exhibition features 26 members and former members from the first to the current Seanad, including Catherine McGuinness, Martin McAleese, and Ian Marshall. It also features the signatures of the first women members of the Seanad – Alice Stopford Green; Eileen Ellen Costello; Countess Ellen Desart, and Jennie Wyse Power. An image of the Senate Casket, which was commissioned in 1924 by Senator Stopford Green as a gift to the first Senate of the Irish Free State, is also included.

Commenting, Cathaoirleach Mark Daly said: “The presence of northern voices in the Upper House, both nationalist and unionist, has been critical in ensuring representative and inclusive debate, particularly during the Troubles and since the Good Friday Agreement. These contributions have provided insights and understanding that have not always been present in the Dáil. As debates around Brexit, and the relationship between Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union continue to evolve, the role of the Seanad in this area will continue to grow.

“I would like to thank Ian Marshall, Martin McAleese, and Catherine McGuinness for opening the exhibition today. I would also like to thank everyone who is contributing to Seanad100 and this important milestone for the Upper House.”

Ian Marshall was the first Ulster Unionist elected to the Seanad in nearly 100 years, taking his seat in 2018 following a bye-election on the Agricultural Panel. He said: “I am delighted to be here today to launch this wonderful exhibition. The Seanad’s meaningful inclusion of northern voices over the past 100 years has been an important one, as it facilitates open, inclusive conversation. It was a privilege to represent the voices and concerns of people across the island of Ireland during my time here.”

Martin McAleese, the husband of former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, and an influential figure during the McAleese presidency in assisting loyalist groups to participate in the peace process, was nominated by the Taoiseach as an independent senator in the 24th Seanad in 2011. He said: “It is wonderful in its centenary year that the Seanad has chosen to showcase many of the northern voices who have sat in the Seanad chamber over the past 100 years, lending their perspective to facilitate shared understanding.”

Former Supreme Court justice, Catherine McGuinness was an independent member of the 14th, 15th and 17th Seanaid, elected to the University of Dublin panel. She said: “The Seanad provided a safe and respectful forum for different views and opinions on Northern Ireland to be discussed and debated. As senators, we engaged in robust debate with a wealth of diversity and experience informing positions and perspectives which was unique to the upper House.”

The ‘Northern Voices’ exhibition is on display in the foyer of Leinster House and can be accessed by members of the public via tours of the building. The exhibition can also be viewed online at www.oireachtas.ie/seanad100, along with the Seanad100 programme.

Media contact: Joanne Ahern / Patricia Ryan, DHR Communications, Tel: 087-9881837 / 087-241 2928

Notes to editors:

·        Senator Mark Daly is available for interview.

·        Maxwells will issue photos to picture desks this afternoon.