Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1929

Vol. 13 No. 1

Public Business. - Election of Senator.

Cathaoirleach

The next business is the election of a Senator to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Sir Nugent Everard. The following is the list of candidates duly nominated:—

Patrick Joseph Brady, "Glena," Booterstown, Co. Dublin. Qualifications: Former member of the Seanad. Nominators: Senators P. J. Hooper and James Moran.

Richard Andrew Butler, Pope's Hall, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Qualifications: Farmer; President of the Irish Farmers' Union. Nominators: Senators John J. Counihan and M.F. O'Hanlon.

Major-General Sir George McKenzie Franks, K.C.B., Ballyscaddane, Knocklong, Co. Limerick. Qualifications: Landowner and farmer; interested in questions of national development. Nominator: Senator Sir William Hickie.

Michael Joseph Staines, 235 North Circular Road, Dublin. Qualifications: Active member of Irish Volunteer Executive from inception to truce; Quartermaster-General, 1916-20; T.D., 1918-23; Alderman, Dublin Corporation, 1920-24; Wholesale Merchant. Nominator: Senator Francis Mac-Guinness.

The result of the first ballot was: Butler, 28; Brady, 17; Franks, 17; and Staines, 16.

Cathaoirleach

There is a tie between Mr. Brady and Major-General Franks. A precedent has been established as regards a matter of this nature. When a similar position arose my predecessor asked the House to assist him in the matter by a directing vote. I would ask the House to do the same for me—to take a vote between Mr. Brady and Major-General Franks. That would be an easier position for me.

A poll was then taken between Mr. Brady and Major-General Franks, in which Major-General Franks received 24 votes and Mr. Brady 21.

Cathaoirleach

I give my casting vote in favour of Major-General Franks.

The final poll was: Butler, 34; Franks, 11.

Cathaoirleach

I declare Mr. Butler elected.