Independent TD Verona Murphy elected as first female Ceann Comhairle

James Cox

Verona Murphy has been elected as the new Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, the Wexford TD is the first ever woman to hold the office.

She was elected on the third count after beating out competition from Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Fianna Fáil TDs Seán Ó Fearghaíl and John McGuinness.

Speaking in the Dáil earlier, Ms Murphy said: "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.

"If elected, I will execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour."

Ms Murphy was elected on the third count, with Mr Ó Snodaigh coming in second.

The election of Ms Murphy was backed by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin. It is seen as a sign that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will go into government with the Regional Independent TDs group, of which Ms Murphy is a member.

Her election was not certain as the Ceann Comhairle is elected through a secret ballot, with rumours that some Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs were unhappy with their parties for endorsing her.

However, she reached the quota after the third count, meaning she will replace Mr Ó Fearghaíl as Ceann Comhairle.