TDs to begin canvassing for position of ceann comhairle

TDs hoping to be elected to the position of ceann comhairle will begin canvassing for the position in the coming days, in advance of the first meeting of the 32nd Dáil next week.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the election of a ceann comhairle by secret ballot of all TDs as part of a wider package of Dáil reform earlier this year.

Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett has said he is not seeking the position again.

Any TD will be able to stand for the position so long as they are proposed by seven deputies. It means the contest does not have to run along party political lines – or that each party is confined to only having one candidate.

A number of Fine Gael TDs have expressed an interest in the position, including Waterford's John Deasy and Fergus O'Dowd from Louth.

Other Fine Gael TDs mentioned in connection with the role include Mayo TD Michael Ring.

On the Fianna Fáil side, Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl has expressed an interest in being his party's nominee. Mr Ó Fearghaíl was his party's whip in the last Dáil and is believed to be the favoured choice of party leader Micheál Martin.

Discussion

“It is something that is being considered, it will be discussed at the parliamentary party on Thursday,” said Mr Ó Fearghaíl.

Fianna Fáil TD Pat The Cope Gallagher has also said he is interested in the position while John McGuinness, the former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has also been mentioned as a possibility. Mr McGuinness did not return calls last night.

Fianna Fáil sources have indicated it will stand just one candidate, while Sinn Féin says it has yet to make a decision. Wexford TD Brendan Howlin's name had also been mentioned in connection with the post but Labour sources have said they will not be standing a candidate.

It has also been speculated that Mr Kenny could support an Opposition candidate – such as Independent TD Finian McGrath – because he needs Fine Gael TDs to support him when the Dáil elects a taoiseach.

The election of a ceann comhairle will remain the first business to which a new Dáil must attend, even before the election of a taoiseach.

The ballot to choose a ceann comhairle will be conducted by single transferable votes.