The 34th Dáil will meet later today for the first time since the General Election, with the election of the new Ceann Comhairle expected to be first on the agenda.

Today marks the official start of a new Dáil, with Leinster House welcoming 174 TD’s, up from the previous 160.

Over 50 of those TD’s will sit in the Dáil chamber for the very first time, while a number have also returned having lost their seat in 2020.

The first order of business for this morning will be the election of a Ceann Comhairle, with Independent TD Verona Murphy seen as being the likely choice, having gained the support of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

This has caused some friction amongst Fianna Fáil, as outgoing Ceann Comhairle and party member Seán Ó Fearghaíll has also put himself forward for the position.

He has said the backing of Verona Murphy compromises the principle of a secret ballot.

Prior to 2016, the position was appointed by an open vote, effectively giving the government of the day control.

“I will stay in the race, whether I’m going to be last or first,” Deputy Ó Fearghaíll said.

“I will stay in the race to defend with my last breath the principle that I believe to be important – and that principle is the primacy of the Dáil.

“The Government doesn’t own these positions, the Government doesn’t own the Dáil, the Government is answerable to the Dáil.”

Fellow Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness has also put his name forward, as well as Aengus Ó Snodaigh of Sinn Féin.

It's understood that Fianna Fail’s backing of Verona Murphy marks an effort to sweeten relations with Independent Regional TDs.

With reporting from Jessica Woodlock.