Find out about the selection of the Ceann Comhairle (chairperson) and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle (deputy chairperson) here.
The first business of a new Dáil after a general election is to select from its Members the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle is selected by secret ballot using the PR-STV (proportional representation with a single transferable vote) system.
Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil
Deputy Catherine Connolly was selected as Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil and then elected by an open vote in Dáil Éireann on 23 July 2020.
Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil
Seán Ó Fearghaíl was selected as Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil and formally elected by the Dáil on 20 February 2020. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl was Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil.
Who were the candidates?
Following the general election on 8 February 2020 and before the first sitting of the 33rd Dáil, two valid nominations were received by the Clerk of Dáil Éireann, Mr. Peter Finnegan, and were thus deemed to be candidates for the position of Ceann Comhairle.
Find out more
- Who can nominate candidates for election to the Office of Ceann Comhairle?
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Candidates need to be nominated by at least seven members of Dáil Éireann. Each Member is allowed to nominate only one candidate.
Nominations for the Office of Ceann Comhairle must be submitted in writing and received by the Clerk of the Dáil not later than 6pm on the day before the first day the Dáil meets subsequent to a general election. Nominations can be withdrawn at any time up to the close of nominations.
- How does the election of the Ceann Comhairle work?
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If there is more than one candidate, the Ceann Comhairle is selected by secret ballot using the PR-STV (proportional representation with a single transferable vote) system.
Where more than one candidate is nominated, the Members of Dáil Éireann vote by secret ballot after the nominees' speeches. If no candidate reaches the quota on first preferences, the individual with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed in accordance with their next highest preference. Eliminations and redistributions continue until one nominee reaches the quota or is the only remaining candidate.
The successful candidate must be formally elected by the Dáil before taking the Chair of the Dáil.
- Find the complete rules on the election of the Ceann Comhairle in Standing Orders 6 to 10 and Schedule 2 to the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann
- Read the Official Report of the selection and election of the Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil
- What does the Ceann Comhairle do?
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The Ceann Comhairle is the Chairperson of Dáil Éireann who presides impartially and with authority over the business and proceedings of the House. Find out more about the role of the Ceann Comhairle.
- What does the Leas-Cheann Comhairle do?
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The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is the Deputy Chairman of Dáil Éireann. In the absence of the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle deputises and performs the duties and exercises the authority of the Ceann Comhairle in Dáil proceedings as follows:
- Who has held the Office of Ceann Comhairle in the past?
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl was Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil.