Verona Murphy becomes first woman to be elected as Ceann Comhairle

Independent TD Verona Murphy has been elected as Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil.

She is to become the first woman to hold the role of Ceann Comhairle.

Speaking before she was elected to the position, the Wexford TD said that newly-elected TDs must be the voice of their communities.

Ms Murphy said: “In order to ensure that every member is heard, this House must function smoothly and efficiently.

“Every member is equal, irrespective of their political persuasion, political party or grouping, every member has a mandate, and no one mandate is more important than the other. If elected as ceann comhairle, I will uphold these simple principles.

“Much debate has been heard around the turnout in the recent election. In many constituencies, the turnout dropped below 50%.

“Large numbers of people in the electorate feel alienated from the political process. They feel politicians are removed from the reality of day to day life. They feel that this chamber is a talking shop that achieves nothing.

“It is incumbent on all of us to change that perception, to make the House more relevant to those that feel excluded.”