Not A Single Seanad Vote Cast By Martin McAleese

Senator Martin McAleese, husband of former President Mary McAleese, has not cast a single vote in the Seanad.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointed McAleese to the Seanad by last May in recognition of his outstanding work in the peace process.

But no evidence has been found of him ever casting a vote in the Seanad on issues such as social welfare cutbacks, water charges and the closure of Army barracks, the Irish Independent has reported.

A Seanad source told the newspaper that they were puzzled by his failure to cast any votes on any issue.

The Irish Independent contacted Mr McAleese but he did not give any specific explanation for why he had not taken part in Seanad votes even when he was actually present.

But he did say that the vast majority of his senatorial work took place outside the chamber.

He has a reasonable attendance record of 82pc for the first six months of this year, turning up for 59 out of the 72 sitting days. But even on the days he was present and speaking in the Seanad, there is no record of him casting a vote.

(H)