Candidates jostle for position in bid to be ceann comhairle

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are set to have another battle on their hands for the position of ceann comhairle. 

While other parties and Independents will put forward candidates it is likely to be a fight between Fianna Fáil’s Michael Moynihan and John Deasy of Fine Gael.

The Independent Alliance will also put a candidate forward as will Sinn Féin. At the first parliamentary party meeting since the election, four Fianna Fáil members put themselves forward.

A vote on whether to select Michael Moynihan, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Brendan Smith or Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher will be held by the parliamentary party at a Monday meeting.

Fine Gael did not name candidates at its parliamentary party meeting which lasted over five hours’ yesterday.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny left it open to members to get the support of seven TDs and put themselves forward. Mr Deasy is thought to be very keen, while Fergus O’Dowd and Michael Ring have also been mentioned.

Mr Moynihan said he believes he would achieve cross-party support and would be hoping to help implement “serious reform” as ceann comhairle. “There were a number of people who contacted me over the weekend and on Monday, both inside the party and outside, asking me to run.”

He suggested a more fluid Dáil schedule be implemented saying issues of national concern and importance often weren’t discussed in the chamber for days.

Ruling himself out, Finian McGrath of the Independent Alliance said the group has asked a number of people to think about the position and would select its candidate in the coming days.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has also been nominated for the position by Sinn Féin.

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