Independent TD Verona Murphy has been elected as the new Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, securing 89 votes in a closely watched secret ballot during the first sitting of the 34th Dáil.
The election, conducted using the PR-STV voting system, saw Murphy emerge victorious after a competitive race. Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh came in second, receiving 67 votes.
According to The Journal, in the first preference votes, Murphy led with 76 votes, followed by Ó Snodaigh with 48 votes. Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl received 27 votes, while his fellow Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness secured 21 votes.
The election had generated significant political intrigue, with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael declining to officially support their own party candidates. Instead, the outgoing government TDs were encouraged to back Murphy for the role.
Murphy will now assume the critical responsibility of chairing meetings and overseeing parliamentary business for the coming years. The position of Ceann Comhairle is crucial in maintaining order and ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings.
Earlier in the day, Taoiseach Simon Harris formally resigned ahead of the Dáil’s first sitting, adding to the day’s political significance.