Former President's Husband Martin McAleese Resigns from Seanad

By Michael Brennan
Irish Independent
February 1, 2013

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/former-presidents-husband-martin-mcaleese-resigns-from-seanad-3374966.html

THE husband of former President Mary McAleese has resigned from the Seanad.

Senator Martin McAleese had been appointed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2011.

In his letter of resignation, he said he had dedicated his time in the Seanad to two projects – the investigation into the plight of women who were held in the Magdalen Laundries and the “bridge building” between North and South.

He confirmed that he had completed his Magdalen Laundries report after spending 18 months putting it together.

“It is my fervent hope that the report will be of real public service most especially to the women concerned,” he said.

Dr McAleese was the key figure behind the Orange Order’s historic appearance in the Seanad last year.

He had travelled to Belfast to arrange it with Seanad chairman Paddy Burke.

“The success of that ground- breaking initiative augurs well for the continued, steady consolidation of peace and good neighbourliness between those who share this island,” Dr McAleese said.

The Taoiseach will have the right to nominate his replacement.