Senator Garret Ahearn appointed Leader of Seanad Éireann

Senator Garret Ahearn has been appointed Leader of the Seanad by Tánaiste Simon Harris.

The appointment was made to fill the vacancy left following the election of Fine Gael Deputy Seán Kyne to Dáil Éireann last month.

Senator Cathal Byrne has been appointed Seanad Government Chief Whip.

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said: “I am pleased to see Senator Garret Ahearn appointed to this important role, which bears the responsibility of acting as the main government spokesperson in the Seanad to steer policies and laws efficiently through the house.

“Senator Garret Ahern has the experience required to carry out the duties required as Leader. He has served as Seanad Government Chief Whip, so understands and appreciates the skills required to schedule and manage the daily business carried out in the Seanad.

“As Leader of the Fine Gael group, Senator Ahearn’s role will be to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues from all parties and none.

“I also want to pay tribute to Senator Cathal Byrne who takes up his new role as Seanad Government Chief Whip. Senator Byrne also served at local government level with Wexford County Council for several years before being elected to Seanad Éireann last year.

“Since then, he has proven himself to be a strong and reliable public representative, doing immense work to support his own constituents of Wexford during the flooding experienced earlier this year. I have no doubt he will bring that same level of dedication to his new role.”

Senator Garret Ahearn said:

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Leader of Seanad Éireann. The Seanad plays a vital role in our democracy, providing a forum for constructive debate.

“I look forward to working with colleagues from all parties and none to ensure the Seanad continues to make a meaningful contribution to public life.

“As Leader, my priority will be to ensure the Seanad remains focused on the issues that matter most to people and families across the country, including housing, cost of living, enterprise, rural development and supporting strong communities.

“I want to thank the Tánaiste for the confidence he has placed in me. I am particularly proud to take on this role while continuing to represent Tipperary and the people who have supported me throughout my political career.

“I will be the 10th Fine Gael Leader of the Seanad since its foundation in 1938.”

“This appointment is a significant responsibility and one that I will approach with energy, respect and a commitment to delivering for the people we serve.

Senator Ahearn, who is from Tipperary, is the son of the late Theresa Aheran, who was a Fine Gael TD for the Tipperary South constituency from 1989 to 2000. A Senator since 2020, prior to that he was a member of Tipperary County Council. He was Mayor of Clonmel from 2019 to 2020.

Senator Cathal Byrne said:

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed by Tánaiste Simon Harris TD as Government Chief Whip in Seanad Éireann.

“This important role gives me the opportunity to contribute at the heart of Government decision making.

“I look forward to working constructively with Senators from all parties to tackle the challenges ahead and deliver for communities across Ireland, including for my own in Wexford.

Senator Byrne, who is Ballyhogue, Wexford was a councillor from 2019 to 2025 and is a qualified solicitor. A married father with two young children and is a Senator since last year. Sen Byrne also serves as Secretary of Fine Gael’s Parliamentary Party.