John Deasy declares desire to become ceann comhairle

Outspoken Waterford Fine Gael TD John Deasy has confirmed his desire to contest the ceann comhairle post if re-elected to the Dáil.

Mr Deasy, a vocal internal critic of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, feels the fact that the position will now be filled by secret ballot gives it a proper mandate to affect change in the Dáil chamber.

The outgoing vice-chair of the Public Accounts Committee has been at the fore of uncovering sex abuse allegations at a foster home in the south east.