Nominations for the vacancy in the Seanad must be in by this day week, and the election can take place on whatever day the House desires, not being less than a fortnight from to-day. While it is for the House to consider the matter, I would suggest that we should have the election on the first day the Seanad meets after the Recess.
Filling of Vacancy in the Seanad.
Cathaoirleach
No doubt it is quite correct that nominations must take place within a week, according to the Standing Orders, but, if the election is not to be until we meet after the Recess, I would like to put it to you that, possibly by means of agreement, a motion might be passed suspending the Standing Orders, so that the nominations should take place at the first meeting after the Recess. It seems rather an anomaly—almost a mistake— because of the rigid carrying out of the Standing Orders to have nominations next week for an election that may take place next October.
Might I selfishly interpose in reference to the suggestion made by Senator Douglas? I think, for the convenience of Senators, that it would be much better to have nominations sent in as soon as possible, because, as Senator Douglas knows perfectly well, the longer nominations are kept open the more canvassing there will be. I prefer that the matter should be settled at once.
Cathaoirleach
It would be possible to suspend the Standing Orders for this object. I think we had a case already, after the death of Senator O'Mara, when we suspended the election until after the Recess, and it had no bad results. I agree with Senator Sir Thomas Esmonde that it is just as well to have the nominations over and done with.