History made as Verona Murphy elected Ceann Comhairle of 34th Dáil

The Dáil has voted on when to return following the Christmas break with the proposed date set for January 22.

Numerous TDs of the opposition opposed the proposal including Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and some Independent TDs.

The members said there were a number of urgent issues facing the country that needed action and it was unacceptable for the government to break for just over a month.

A return date of January 15 was offered as an alternative.

However, the motion was carried with 88 votes in favour and 71 against and the Dáil has now adjourned until January 22 at 12pm.

Update 5.05pm:

In his speech this evening, Tánaiste Micheál Martin warned there are challenges ahead for democracies and trading economies saying that Ireland can take nothing for granted.

Mr Martin said the election showed that the majority of Irish people want to see a "centrist vision of action" in the face of these challenges.

"The more radical approaches of demanding a total change in nearly every area of government policy came nowhere near gaining enough support to claim a mandate for government," he said.

Following the announcement of the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin last week, Mr Martin said that Ireland's actions in relation to Palestinian statehood and the rule of law have been "reasonable and proportionate".

"We believe that Ireland should seek good relations with other states but must also be willing to call-out violations of basics values and laws. This must be part of the new government’s agreed approach," he said.

Update: 4.45pm:

The motion to elect Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach has been defeated. There were 44 votes in favour and 110 against while 14 abstained.

Update: 4.10pm:

The Dáil has resumed following the election of Ms Murphy as Ceann Comhairle.

She was announced in the chamber by the clerk of the Dáil and received a round of applause.

Having taken her place at the head of the Dáil chamber, Ms Murphy said she would be "fair and impartial, even handed and even tempered".

Responding to comments by Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who came in second place in the election for Ceann Comhairle, that the person who occupies the role should speak the first official language of the State, Ms Murphy said she would improve her Irish to a level that is commensurate with her new role.

As expected, Fine Gael did not propose to make a nomination for taoiseach as it is unlikely a new government will be formed today.

Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty proposed Mary Lou McDonald and this was seconded by Louth TD Joanna Byrne.

The move by Sinn Féin was described as an empty gesture by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Solidarity-People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy said they will vote in favour of the Sinn Féin leader while their party colleague Ruth Coppinger told the Dáil she will abstain.

Update: 1.23pm: Verona Murphy has been elected Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil, becoming the first female Ceann Comhairle in the history of the State.

The Independent Wexford TD got over the line with the distribution of Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s surplus.

Ms Murphy reached the quota on the third count, finishing with a total of 89 votes.

Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh came in second place, having received 67 votes.

Update 1.08pm: Verona Murphy is set to become Ceann Comhairle on the third count, according to tallies following the first count.

Of the 173 votes cast, one was excluded as it “does not clearly indicate a first preference”.

After the first count, Ms Murphy won 76 votes, Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh got 48, incumbent and Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl got 27 votes and his party colleague John McGuinness got 21 votes.

Tallies show that Ms Murphy will get over the line on the third count when transfers begin. The quota is 87.

Update 11.50am: The ballots have been cast and counting will begin at 12.15pm. 

The Dáil has been suspended while the count takes place and will resume at 3.30pm.

Update 11.45am:

Voting to elect the next Ceann Comhairle is under way. A total of 173 out of 174 TDs will cast their vote in the secret ballot.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns will not participate in the proceedings following the birth of her baby girl.

Update 11.15am: Frontrunner Verona Murphy said that if elected she would uphold the simple principles of equality.

Referring to the turnout in the general election, Ms Murphy said people are alienated from the political process and feel as though politicians are removed from the reality of day-to-day life.

"If elected, I want to engage with all members to explore the options available to us, to reform the way we conduct our business, so that ordinary people feel their voices are being heard," she said.

Ms Murphy pointed to her experience as a sub-chair and deputising for the Ceann Comhairle in the past and said she believes she carried out the duties with respect and impartiality.

"Generally, my time in the chair passed without incident with the exception of the day that a certain Kerry TD decided to serenade me with a poor rendition of a Cork song," she said. Ms Murphy added "at least, I suppose, his phone was turned off" referring to someone's phone going off earlier in proceedings.

She closed her speech by saying: "If you choose to elect me as the first female Ceann Comhairle in the State, it will signify a very diverse, inclusive, and forward-looking 34th Dáil."

Meanwhile, Sean Ó Fearghail told the Dáil he had not planned to put himself forward to become Ceann Comhairle for another term.

Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl makes a speech in the Dáíl. Picture: Oireachtas TV

The incumbent candidate, who has already served two terms, said: “I always intended to stand down after two terms as Ceann Comhairle, but in the final days of the last Dáil, people from across the political spectrum, for whom I have great personal respect and admiration began to approach me.

“They asked me to consider standing again in order to provide continuity, to provide stability and to play a significant role in smoothing the transition from the 33rd to the 34th Dáil.

“After careful reflection, I decided to put myself forward.

“I’m wondering today was that such a good idea after all, but my candidacy on this occasion is time-limited and has a particular focus.”

Mr Ó Fearghaíl pointed to existing and impending challenges including wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the incoming Trump administration.

"I pledge to be resolute and a steadfast support for you and to work for you each day, to treat you all with equal respect and dignity and to ensure his voice is heard," he told TDs.

Sinn Féin's Aengus O Snodaigh said it is important that the person elected can speak Irish in what is a bilingual chamber.

He said a parliamentary chair is needed who can monitor comments in either English or Irish, and pointed out that the first official language of the State is Irish. Neither Ms Murphy nor Mr McGuinness are fluent Irish speakers.

He said that the person elected should also be impartial and someone who, rather than “seeking the limelight for themselves”, facilitates the House coming together.

Update 11am: The four TDs in the running to be Ceann Comhairle are the outgoing Seán Ó Fearghaíl of Fianna Fáil, his party colleague John McGuinness, Independent Verona Murphy and Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

They will make their address in alphabetical order with Mr McGuinness going first.

Following the decision by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to recommend their parties support Ms Murphy's candidacy, Mr McGuinness used his speaking time to criticise this move.

John McGuinness speaking during first sitting of the 34th Dáil. Picture: Maxwells/PA Wire

He said that he does not share the view that political parties can try to "control the outcome" of the vote for the role of Ceann Comhairle which is considered to be one which is beyond party politics.

"I am asking you as individuals of this parliament to consider the nominees that are before you today and to protect the interests of this house, the interests of democracy, and to elect the best person that you see fit to hold the position of Ceann Comhairle, to defend your interests and the interests of the people that we represent," Mr McGuinness said.

Update 10.53am: All new and returning TDs have signed the Roll of Members except for Cork TD and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns who is currently on maternity leave.

The four candidates for the role of Ceann Comhairle will now give a speech to the Dáil ahead of the secret ballot.

Verona Murphy is the front runner after both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backed the Independent TD.

If elected, Ms Murphy would become the first female Ceann Comhairle in the history of the State.

Earlier, the Irish Examiner reported that John McGuinness and outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl will remain in the race.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl was unequivocal in his criticism of the decision of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to back an Independent candidate in an effort to support talks to form a government.

He said it was made clear in a conversation he had with Mr Martin last week that supporting Ms Murphy's bid was utmost on the agenda but at no point had he considered, nor was he asked, to withdraw from the race. 

"We have done a lot to bring home to the people that Leinster House and the complex here belongs to the people," he said, expressing concern that this development will add to public cynicism surrounding politics.

Sinn Féin has proposed Aengus Ó Snodaigh to be Ceann Comhairle.

Update 10.30am: Taoiseach Simon Harris formally tendered his resignation with President Michael D Higgins as part of the formalities for the first sitting of the new Dáil. 

Mr Harris visited Áras an Uachtaráin on Wednesday morning and will remain as caretaker Taoiseach as the Dáil is unlikely to vote for a new Taoiseach as no party holds a majority. The Cabinet will also remain in office.

Taoiseach Simon Harris arriving at Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Proceedings got underway at 10.30am with a prayer and a pause for reflection before Dáil clerk Peter Finnegan read the Proclamation of the Dáil. Mr Finnegan then read the names of all 174 TDs into the record.

The first major order of business for the Dáil will be to elect a new Ceann Comhairle, with

Meanwhile, it is expected that neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael will endorse a candidate for Taoiseach on Wednesday as government formation talks continue. 

Sinn Féin will nominate Mary Lou McDonald for Taoiseach.

The 34th Dáil is the largest ever with 174 TDs representing Ireland’s 43 constituencies. 

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