Limerick politician elected deputy leader of Seanad Eireann
Maria Byrne on path to becoming leader of the house within two years
LIMERICK Senator Maria Byrne has been elected as the vice chairperson of the Upper House.
She is only the third female to be elected to the role, and is now second in line to the top position as Cathaoirleach, or chair of Seanad Eireann.
And she will chair meetings when the newly-elected Seanad Cathaoirleach Mark Daly, Fianna Fail, is not present.
On top of this, Ms Byrne is on a path to becoming the Cathaoirleach of the house in two years.
This is because it is customary for the deputy to take over as chair in this time frame.
Based in O’Connell Avenue and a former mayor of Limerick, Ms Byrne was first elected to the Seanad in 2016.
She missed out at the 2020 election, but was back following a by-election in 2021.
And she held her seat at last month’s Oireachtas election.
“It is indeed a great honour and privilege. I am only the third female in 103 years to hold this role,” she pointed out.
Ms Byrne said ahead of her election, it was noted that she is able to work cross party, “for the greater good”.
“I've always tried to work with people. I've always tried to get on with people. I think it’s important to listen and be constructive. Finding a happy medium means a lot.”
She played down her chances of promotion in two years’ time, saying: “I don’t want to pre-empt anything. I’m happy to be elected and let's see what happens.”