A number of calls have been made on political website www.politics.ie for Progressive Democrats leader, Senator Ciaran Cannon, to give up his Seanad seat if, as is widely predicted, he joins Fine Gael.

Senator Cannon was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Ciaran Cannon.

Senator Cannon was appointed to the Seanad by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, as part of the coalition deal involving the Progressive Democrats after an unsuccessful run for the Dáil in Galway East.

However, speaking to the Galway Independent last month, he said he would consider joining another political party after the PDs wind up. This would have the unprecedented result of making one of the Taoiseach's 11 an Opposition Senator.

The wind up of the Progressive Democrats is expected to take place at a meeting of the party membership this weekend.

Senator Cannon could be seen as a replacement for Deputy Ulick Burke in the 2012 General Election. Dr John Barton, who ran unsuccessfully for Fine Gael in Galway East last year, is reportedly considering a move to Galway West next time out, leaving room for Cannon if Burke decides to retire.

Unlike other PD representatives, such as Noel Grealish, Senator Cannon has no history within Fianna Fáil and would be unlikely to join the main Government party.

The Taoiseach has the power to appoint 11 senators. Two of these seats were given to the Progressive Democrats (Cannon and Fiona O'Malley), while two went to the Green Party's Deirdre de Búrca and Dan Boyle.

Cllr Niall O Brolcháin, who narrowly missed out on one of the Green Party's Seanad seats, told the Galway Independent he thought Senator Cannon was entitled to keep his seat.

"My understanding is that once the Taoiseach makes appointments, they stay. Ciaran is entitled to keep that seat regardless."

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