LIMERICK Fine Gael senator Maria Byrne has been elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad – only the third female to ever be appointed to the role.
Fine Gael senators Joe O’Reilly and Sean Kyne nominated the former Limerick Mayor for the role, after describing her as a “respected and distinguished” senator.
Senator Byrne was first elected to Upper House’s Agricultural Panel in April 2016. She served as Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Finance and previously served as a Councillor on Limerick City and County Council from 1999 up until her election to Seanad Éireann.
During her time on the Council, Maria also served as Mayor of Limerick from 2010 to 2011.
Senator Byrne is involved in many sporting organisations locally and works in a voluntary capacity with Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre, the Special Olympics, and also St Gabriel’s School and Centre. She has also previously served on the governing bodies boards of both Limerick Institute of Technology (now TUS) and the University of Limerick.
Speaking after her elevation as Leas Cathaoirleach, Senator Byrne thanked the Tánaiste and her colleagues for placing their faith in her.
“I have always had a fair work ethic and tried to work with people right across each and every grouping. I give a commitment that my door will always be open. I look forward to working with all Senators in a fair and collegial manner,” she said.
Her job, Senator Byrne continued, is to make sure that everybody is treated fairly and they all receive the same treatment, and that everybody has the right to express themselves as well.
“I served as Mayor of Limerick in 2010. I was the fourth woman to serve in that office in Limerick in 814 years. Not many people are honoured to serve in the position that I have been elected to fill today,” she said.
“I look forward to working with all members in the future over the next five years. I also follow in the footsteps of a neighbour of mine – Thomas Westropp Bennett, a former Senator, Leas-Chathaoirleach, and Cathaoirleach. His daughter-in-law, Catherine, who is looking in today, is also a neighbour of mine. They were from Limerick.
“I look forward to serving everybody right across the House. I thank all for the privilege and honour they have bestowed on me today,” she concluded.
