The 33rd Dáil is sitting for the first time this afternoon, with Clare’s four TD’s among the 160 deputies who’s names have been read into the record for the first time.
Voting is underway to elect a new Ceann Comhairle, while later member will vote on the Taoiseach, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
The names of Clare’s four TDs were among 160 read into the record by Clerk Peter Finnegan, this afternoon, when the 33rd Dáil sat for the first time.
Member are currently voting by secret ballot for the Ceann Comhairle, which is a straight contest between the outgoing Ceann Sean O Fearghail and former Independent Minister Denis Naughten.
Ahead of the vote, they both set out their stall, beginning with Deputy Naughten.
While outgoing Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail hopes his record speaks for itself.
Once the vote is completed, the nominations for Taoiseach will start and Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan will all be put forward as candidates.
Speaking ahead of the ballot, Clare Independent TD, Michael McNamara has outlined who he’ll be voting for.
But, it’s unlikely that anyone will be elected today.
The Dáil will then suspend, likely for two weeks, with the parties left to get down to the real business of negotiating a government.
Meelick Deputy Cathal Crowe, who is one of around 50 fresh faces to enter Leinster House doesn’t believe another election isn’t on the cards.
Clare’s Sinn Féin TD insists her party is taking the call for change from the electorate to heart in all government formation talks.
Violet-Anne Wynne, who’s also taking her seat for the first time, says people are hungry for change and insists that Sinn Féin is determined to deliver on that.
