Ireland

Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann

How the office holder is chosen

Selecting the Ceann Comhairle is the first business of a new Dáil after a general election. Candidates need at least seven nominating TDs and the vote is a secret ballot using PR-STV, with the lowest candidate eliminated in each count until one reaches the quota. The full rules are in Standing Orders 6 to 10 and Schedule 2.²

Term

Verona Murphy was elected on 18 December 2024 at the start of the Thirty-fourth Dáil. The winner must be formally elected by the Dáil before taking the Chair. The Houses of the Oireachtas say the Ceann Comhairle presides impartially and by tradition is precluded from active participation in politics.^1,2

Recent holders

Notable facts

• Seán Ó Fearghaíl held the office for the 32nd and 33rd Dáils, according to the Houses of the Oireachtas.²

Sources

1. Houses of the Oireachtas, Ceann Comhairle
2. Houses of the Oireachtas, Selection of the Ceann Comhairle