The Chairman of Clare Labour doesn't think that former TD Michael McNamara lost out on a Seanad nomination because he voted against the government while in the Dail.
The outgoing Scarriff TD was seeking a seat in the Upper House, but now admits he almost certainly won't be added to the election line-up by his party.
Clare's outgoing Labour TD, who lost his Dáil seat last month, subsequently announced that he was seeking his party's nomination for a spot on the agricultural panel in the Seanad election.
But now, Michael McNamara has conceded that it's "almost certain he won't get that", after Labour decided not to make any nomination itself.
The Chairman of Clare Labour has described the Scarriff native as a great man, politician and legislator, saying they're sorely disappointed that he's missed out on a chance to represent Clare in the Seanad.
Michael lost the party whip after voting against the Government on the sale of the state’s stake in Aer Lingus but Clare Chairman Dermot Hayes doesn't believe his failure to tow the party line was behind the decision not to nominate him.
Separately, a newly declared Clare candidate for the Seanad feels she can make a real difference for the county if elected to the Upper House.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, who ran in the recent General Election has been has been put forward by the Irish Drama League for a place on the Culture and Education panel in the upcoming election.
Mary Howard claims that while the Seanad is in need of reform, it still has an important role to play.
Already, Fine Gael Senators Martin Conway and Tony Mulcahy have confirmed their intention to seek seats in the Upper House, along with President of Ogra Fianna Fail, Ballyea man Eoin Neylon.
While, Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Hayes has also been nominated.
