Profile: John Deasy (FG)

All eyes will be on long-time critic of the Taoiseah, John Deasy (48) when the Dail resumes on March 10th. Its first job will be to elect a new Ceann Comhairle and under new rule introduced by Enda Kenny, the plum position will be won by secret ballot, once the candidate has the backing of seven TDs. Not universally liked but almost universally respected, the Dungarvan man would prove the Taoiseach’s reform bona fides, but still be seen to be independent. The putative Ceann Comhairle is a TD since 2002 when he succeeded his father, former minister Austin Deasy, having inherited his maverick streak and blunt but personable manner. Assiduous in nurturing his constitutency he has been an effective and well regarded member of the Public Accounts Committee for his incisive questions and dogged pursuit of accountability from public officials appearing before it. He is also respected for his work on issues such as undocumented workers and the difficulties faced by the business community. He is married to TV broadcaster and presenter Maura Derrane and they have a young child.