Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

Sat 06 Jun 2007Seanad university elections erupt into FF 'power grab' rowThe normally-sedate election for six university seats in Seanad Éireann has erupted into sharp controversy over allegations by Independent Senators that Fianna Fáil is seeking to undermine the electoral process for party political purposes. Deaglán de Bréadún, Political Correspondent, reports.University of Dublin/Trinity College Senator Shane Ross said Fianna Fáil had launched a "fully-fledged" assault on the Independent university seats. His fellow Independent, Senator Joe O'Toole from the National University panel, said Fianna Fáil in particular was engaged in a "power grab", which he described as "nauseating".