Independent TD Verona Murphy has been elected Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil. 

Deputy Murphy is the first woman to take up the position.

The 34th Dáil met for the first time this morning, with the election of the new Ceann Comhairle the first item on the agenda.

She was elected on the third count after beating out competition from Sinn Féin's Aengus O'Snodaigh and Fianna Fáil TDs Sean O'Fearghail and John McGuinness.

A secret ballot determined the appointment, however, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had asked their parties to vote for Deputy Murphy.

The new Ceann Comhairle is a member of the Regional Group of Independent TDs, which is currently in talks with the two parties to form the next Government.

Independent candidate Verona Murphy ahead of the vote for the new Ceann Comhairle. 18/12/2024 Photograph: RollingNews.ie via Oireachtas Press Office