Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness has been elected the new Leas Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.

He will receive a salary increase in exchange for supporting Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and stepping in for her to chair the Dáil when necessary.

Deputy McGuinness won the vote 96 to 66 against Sinn Féin’s Aengus O’Snodaigh.

Speaking in the Dáil chamber this afternoon, Deputy McGuinness promised to use the position to promote the values of the Government and of democracy.

"Of course, in this chamber, ensuring that the Government lives up to its first obligation, which is to keep its people safe," he said.

"All of this has a lot to do with the Leas Ceann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle because all of these issues need to be debated in a constructive way in this house."

Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness. April 2018 - Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie