Answer
The Taoiseach nominated Michael D. Higgins to be a senator from 1973 to 1977. The Taoiseach is the head of government in Ireland, and is responsible for nominating senators to the Seanad Éireann, the upper house of the Irish parliament. Higgins was nominated by the Taoiseach of the time, Liam Cosgrave, and served as a senator for four years.