1996/99
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Hughes linked with vacant Senate seat
25 March 1998
FORMER MAYO DAIL DEPUTY INVOLVED IN POLITICAL SPECULATION. . .
By Tom Kelly
Former Westport-based Dail Deputy Seamus Hughes could be set to make a dramatic return to the national political scene.
Speculation is growing that the Fianna Fail councillor may be offered the seat in the Senate left vacant by the Labour Party's Sean Ryan following his success in the North Dublin by-election.
The position will be filled by a vote of Oireachtas members, of which the Fianna Fail party has the majority.
The name of Mr. Hughes, who lost his seat in last June's General Election, is being tipped as the likely party nomination for the 'in-house' by-election.
Of all the outgoing Fianna Fail deputies who suffered defeats in the General Election nine months ago and did not subsequently announce their retirements, Mr. Hughes is understood to be the only one no longer involved in full-time politics at national level.
Carlow's M.J. Nolan was similarly 'redundant' until being appointment a short time ago as programme manager for Michael Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Education.
It is an open secret that Mr. Hughes was deeply disappointed when he was overlooked for a Senate nomination by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who selected Newport's Frank Chambers instead.
The Westport solicitor never commented publically on his disappointment, but, it goes without saying, he would welcome the opportunity to return to the fold.
Mr. Hughes said he was aware of the speculation linking him with the vacant Senate seat, but he did not believe the speculation had much substance.
"It is generated locally, but I don't think it stands up to much at national level. To be honest, I would be flabbergasted if I was chosen to fill the seat. I think Mayo has a full complement of Seanad representation already."
Since losing his Dail seat last June, Mr. Hughes has retained a high profile as a member of Mayo County Council.
There is a suggestion that, should be miss out on securing a Senate seat, he will be pull forward as a party candidate for the position of chairman of Mayo County Council next July.
According to reliable party sources, Castlebar's Al McDonnell and Erris-based Tim Quinn already have their eyes firmly fixed on the position.
But there is a strong move within the party, particularly in West Mayo, to push forward Mr. Hughes as the next heir to the county council throne and keep his name firmly in the public spotlight as Fianna Fail explores every possible option in the determined bid to win three Mayo seats in the next General Election.
From Mr. Hughes's point of view, both the prospect of him securing a Senate seat or being appointed chairman of Mayo County Council are issues which are far from cut and dry.
The fact he is being linked with such positions, however, gives added substance to the belief that his political career is far from over.
