Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must back Murphy as Ceann Comhairle to secure independents deal

Ahead of formal talks with the two coalition parties, the nine TDs in the Regional Group expect support for Ms Murphy who is their nominee for the powerful position of Ceann Comhairle

Verona Murphy celebrating with her daughter Robyn and partner Joe Druhan after she was elected on the first count in Wexford in the 2024 general election. Picture: Mary Browne

A deal with independents will require Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to back Wexford TD Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle next week.

Formal talks between the two main parties and the nine TDs forming the Regional Group are to begin next week, but they are expecting support for Ms Murphy who is their nomination for the powerful position of Ceann Comhairle.