Mayo man heads up the Seanad

Newly-appointed Senator, Martin McAleese, husband of current President Mary McAleese is pictured with Mayo Senator Paddy Burke, the newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.

Burke takes the helm in the Upper House


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Trevor Quinn

“A SHREWD, capable, politician who takes everything in his stride” is how Mayor of Castlebar, Cllr Ger Deere described Senator Paddy Burke, who was last week named as the incoming Cathaoirleach (chair) of Seanad Éireann.
It’s often an overused  cliché in administrative circles but Fine Gael and politics is most definitely in the Burke blood. Both his grandfather and his father were esteemed members of Mayo County Council. In 1979 Paddy followed in his forebears’ footsteps successfully becoming elected to Mayo County Council.
Paddy’s first significant breakthrough on a national level came when he was first elected on the Agricultural Panel of the Seanad in 1993, which also led to him being returned to the 21st Seanad in 1997, and subsequently to the 22nd Seanad in 2002.
When he was sourcing support for his appointment on the Agricultural Panel in 1993 the Ballyglass native inspired confidence due to his farming background.
“He would have been one of the few Senators from a farming background in the Seanad so he understood perfectly what was needed,” said Mayor Ger Deere.
In September 2002 Burke’s appreciation and ability in Seanad Éireann was recognised when he was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach or Deputy Chairman of the house, a position he retained for five years. In 2007 following his reelection to the 23rd Seanad he was again re-elected as Leas Cathaoirleach.
Long time friend and acquaintance Jim Higgins MEP remembers the tireless and dedicated work which resulted in the then Councillor Burke claiming his place on the Agricultural Panel in the Oireachtas.
“He travelled the length and breadth of the country calling to 27 areas harnessing support from County Councils in Cork, Dublin and Limerick and eslewhere. It was very formidable and very challenging but he embraced it and was ultimately elected.”
Mayor Deere has been a political associate of Senator Burke for a number of years and he sees Senator Burke as a man who is full of intelligence, energy,  integrity and vision.
“He’s been a very good role model for young public representatives from all political persuasions. He is always willing to give advice, and he was very instrumental in encouraging me to get involved in politics.”
The Seanad is facing in to a time of uncertainty with both Fine Gael and Labour calling for the abolishment of the second house prior to the General Election. It now appears likely that a referendum will be held in 2012 when the future of Seanad Éireann will be decided. Either major reform or abolishment of the house appear the only likely scenarios.
Jim Higgins said this latest appointment at the heart of the Irish political establishment demonstrates the political resurgence that is occurring in Mayo. Paddy Burke and his long time political ally now sit at the helm of the Upper and Lower Houses of DΡil Éireann.
“The events of recent months show just what our people are capable of. We can be proud of our collective achievements in the county. We now have a Mayo Taoiseach who presides over the DΡil and a Mayo Cathaoirleach who will preside over the Seanad. It has put Mayo in two pivotal positions on the national stage.”