O'Donoghue stands down as Ceann Comhairle

John O'Donoghue has officially stepped down as Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil this afternoon, following a robust and protracted speech in defence of his record.

O'Donoghue said that he would continue in his role as TD for the Kerry South constituency.

The former Ceann Comhairle claimed that he was denied due process and the chance to defend himself, and blamed a ‘soundbite culture’ for forcing his resignation, following the controversy surrounding his expenses claims in recent years.

It is widely believed that his place will be taken by Louth Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk later this afternoon.

Defending his behaviour over the expenses affair, John O'Donoghue said he never acted in secret, never committed any offence, and was not guilty of any corruption.

He also insisted that he never abused his office or took money for his own enrichment.

O'Donoghue also said he wanted to assure the members of the Dáil that he never tried to bury any facts about his expenses.

“I will accept the verdict of informed judgement but not the verdict of the disingenuous,” the former Ceann Comhairle said.

“I will accept the judgement of my peers after their careful reflection of all the facts and fair procedures.”

“I will not allow my life and public service to be stained by the triumph of the half truth.”

“In my case, I regret to say, I was not afforded the basic principle of a fair hearing – instead the soundbite took the place of fairness.”

“The headline achieved was more enticing and more politically compelling than the fairness of the process that ought to have been followed.”