O'Hanlon appointed Ceann Comhairle

Former minister Dr Rory O’Hanlon - father of Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon - was today chosen as Ceann Comhairle of the newly-elected 29th Dáil.

Dr O’Hanlon, 68, was nominated for the post by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who is himself set to be re-elected as head of the Government later today.

The speaker, who was a GP before he entered politics, represents Cavan-Monaghan.

He is a former health minister, and has been a member of the house for Fianna Fail for more than 30 years.

Dr O’Hanlon, who was appointed to succeed outgoing speaker Seamus Pattison, took over his new position soon after the new Dail met for the first time in Dublin this morning.

Mr Ahern was certain to retain the job of Taoiseach after agreeing a programme for Government with Tanaiste Mary Harney’s Progressive Democrats party earlier this week.

Together, the two parties, which have been partners in a coalition administration for a full five year term before last month’s general election, have a comfortable majority in the 166-member Dáil.Mr Ahern will name his government team later, and is expected to unveil a number of changes in a bid to lower the age level and profile of the cabinet.

Ahead of today’s proceedings, outgoing Tourism and Sports Minister Dr Jim McDaid, 52, confirmed that he was not being re-appointed.