Paul Hosford: Ceann Comhairle election adds intrigue to first day of 34th Dáil

A reform introduced by Enda Kenny in 2016 and the history between FG and Verona Murphy combine to make the first set piece of the new Dáil more intriguing than it would normally be

Then ceann comhairle Seán Barrett and taoiseach Enda Kenny singing carols with Oireachtas members and staff at Leinster House in 2011. A reform Kenny introduced in 2016 has powerful repercussions in 2024. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

The election of a new Ceann Comhairle, the first set piece of the new Dáil term, could be one of its most interesting, just hours after the Dáil reconvenes.

Shortly after the names of the 174 members of the 34th Dáil are read officially into the record, the process will begin of electing a Ceann Comhairle, with a decision made in 2016 making it all the more interesting.