Sean Ó Fearghaíl, the sitting Ceann Comhairle, has slated the position being used for “bargaining” in government negotiations that undermines the “primacy of the Dáil”
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin will tell his party to back independent TD Verona Murphy for the Ceann Comhairle position over party candidates Seán Ó Fearghaíl and John McGuinness.
READ MORE: Simon Harris defends Lowry's role in government formation talks as Ceann Comhairle vote approaches As part of these negotiations, the group has proposed appointing Ms Murphy as Ceann Comhairle. She would be the first female Ceann Comhairle if she was elected. “ confirmed what had been mentioned previously and that was that Fianna Fáil were making progress in their discussions with the Regional Independents,” Mr Ó Fearghaíl said.
“I've never been one of the awkward squad. I would have no desire in any set of circumstances to in any way obstruct, delay or hold up the formation of a stable government. I asked him what Fine Gael were going to do and he couldn't tell me exactly. Mr Ó Fearghaíl said that using the Ceann Comhairle position for bargaining “undermines the primacy of the Dáil” and amounts to “potential government partners taking control”. He said he would “happily withdraw” but that he felt that if he did, no one would defend the right of TDs to elect a Ceann Comhairle in an “unfettered way”.
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