Catherine Connolly is the first woman leas ceann comhairle

The election of Independent Catherine Connolly as leas ceann comhairle is difficult for government. Picture: Eamonn Farrell

Fergus O'Dowd's loss to Independent Catherine Connolly in the vote for the new leas ceann comhairle role has been viewed as a further embarrassment for the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition. 

Fine Gael's Fergus O'Dowd had been the agreed government candidate for the role.