THEY’RE AN unforgiving lot in the Seanad.

Some Senators are a bit put out that they weren't asked to sing on the charity song we've just told you about. They could have done with a Bridge Over Troubled Senatorsfor certain members of the Upper House during the week.

Tánaiste’s nominee Labour’s Lorraine Higgins from Galway put a few noses out of joint when she was heard to complain about how she has on much on her plate, what with choosing a cocktail dress for Michael D’s inauguration ball, attending the Labour Party Women’s conference this weekend, recording a charity song, getting her vaccination shots for an upcoming fact-finding trip to the Horn of Africa and then having to face into a champagne reception and the Ballinasloe Rose Ball upon her return.

The ball is a local party fundraiser and will be held on November 26th in Gullane’s Hotel.

We hear some “concerned” colleagues have upset Lorraine’s equilibrium by wondering if she has the proper insurance in place for her trip to Africa. Not to worry her, but as a visiting dignitary, she could be a kidnap risk.

The green-eyed monster is a terrible beast. Particularly among members of choral and musical societies who weren’t invited to the recording studio with Senator Higgins and her favoured colleagues.

“No auditions, obviously,” snorted one politician. “But then, there are no auditions either for people who get into the Seanad as a Taoiseach’s or Tánaiste’s nominee.”