Murphy endorsement meets criticism as FF and FG accused of using Ceann Comhairle role as a 'bargaining chip' 

If elected on Wednesday,Verona Murphy would become the first female Ceann Comhairle in the history of the State. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Verona Murphy is the frontrunner to be voted Ceann Comhairle for the incoming Dáil on Wednesday after both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backed the Independent TD.

At their respective parliamentary party meetings, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris proposed members support Ms Murphy's candidacy.