History was made in Dáil Éireann this Wednesday as independent TD Verona Murphy was elected as the first-ever female Ceann Comhairle.
Ms Murphy, a a TD for Wexford, was recommended by the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail leaders as part of negotiations to form a government.
Speaking ahead of the vote, the other three candidates for the role raised concerns about the process to elect a speaker, arguing it infringed on the primacy of the Dáil.
However, addressing members of the 34th Dáil, Ms Murphy said she would “uphold” principles of treating each member of the Dail equally.
“In order to ensure that every member is heard, this House must function smoothly and efficiently. Every member is equal, irrespective of their political persuasion, political party or grouping, every member has a mandate, and no one mandate is more important than the other."
“Much debate has been heard around the turnout in the recent election. In many constituencies, the turnout dropped below 50%,” Ms Murphy added.
“Large numbers of people in the electorate feel alienated from the political process. They feel politicians are removed from the reality of day to day life. They feel that this chamber is a talking shop that achieves nothing.
“It is incumbent on all of us to change that perception, to make the House more relevant to those that feel excluded.”
On the first count Deputy Murphy was ahead with 76 votes. She did not receive any transfers when John McGuinness' 21 votes were distributed on count two.
At that stage, Aenghus Ó Snodaigh was on 54 votes while the outgoing Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaíl was on 42.
Ms Murphy picked up 13 votes from Mr Ó Fearghaíl on count three which ensured her election.
PICTURES: flickr / Houses of the Oireachtas
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