Senator Gabrielle McFadden appointed Government Chief Whip in Seanad Éireann

Fine Gael Longford Westmeath Senator, Gabrielle McFadden, has been appointed Government Chief Whip in the Seanad by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD. Senator McFadden was also given the role of Seanad Spokesperson on Defence.

Speaking after the appointment, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said, “Senator Gabrielle McFadden is a politician of honour, integrity and skill who will do a great job as Government Chief Whip in the Seanad. She is extremely well liked and respected by her colleagues across the Oireachtas, something that will serve her well as she navigates this role. I have also appointed her as Fine Gael’s Seanad Spokesperson for Defence. Gabrielle, who is based in Athlone, has strong family links to the Defence Forces though her grandfather who served as Sergeant Major in Custume Barracks.

Senator McFadden said, “It is a huge honour to have been appointed Government Chief Whip to the Seanad by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. I am looking forward to working with my Fine Gael Seanad colleagues, as well as members of the opposition, to ensure the smooth running of the 25th Seanad.

“I am humbled to learn that I am the first female Government Chief Whip in the Seanad and with Regina Doherty serving as Government Chief Whip in the Dáil, I think this represents great progression for women in Irish politics.

“I was also delighted to have been appointed Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Defence, particularly as Custume Barracks in Athlone is so close to my heart. I look forward to working on defence legislation in the Seanad and will continue working to support Custume Barracks, as I have always done throughout my political career.”