Basic courtesy is absent from Dáil proceedings

The first role of the new Dáil, on March 10, will be the appointment, in secret ballot, of the ceann comhairle. I propose Katherine Zappone.

There is a need for transparency and equality, with so many independents elected to serve as teachta dála.

Zappone embodies Irish societal renewal in the 21st century — gay, a feminist Irish citizen born outside the State, an academic and human rights activist, who proposed to her long-term partner, Ann Louise Gilligan, live on RTÉ TV, on the day Ireland voted for same–sex marriage legislation. She has been a member of the Seanad, so is no stranger to the workings of the Oireachtas.