Ireland has made political history with the election of Verona Murphy as the country’s first female Ceann Comhairle, or speaker of parliament. The Independent TD for Wexford secured the €255,000 per year position on Wednesday as the 34th Dáil met for the first time since last month’s general election.
Murphy’s election as speaker was the first order of business for the new Dáil and is seen as a key step in ongoing negotiations to form a coalition government. The general election on February 8th resulted in a hung parliament, with no party securing an outright majority.
Taoiseach Resigns as Coalition Talks Continue
Earlier on Wednesday, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris formally tendered his resignation to President Michael D Higgins, as is customary when a new Dáil convenes. Harris and his cabinet will continue in their roles until a new government is formed.
The two largest parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, made gains in the election but fell just short of a majority even if they were to enter coalition together. Momentum is building behind a coalition involving the two “civil war parties” along with the Regional Group of nine independent TDs.
“I’m very proud that Ireland speaks with a strong voice, and it is one which cries out for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, for the flow of humanitarian aid, and ultimately, for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine as two states.”
Simon Harris, Outgoing Taoiseach
Defeat for Sinn Féin Leader’s Bid
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald was also nominated for taoiseach on Wednesday but was defeated, receiving just 44 votes. Her party had argued after the election that the party with the largest vote share should lead the next government. However, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin countered that if Sinn Féin was being consistent, they should be nominating him as his party ultimately won the most seats.
Israel Closes Dublin Embassy Amid Accusations
The formation of the new Dáil was not without controversy. Protests were held outside Leinster House calling on TDs to pass a bill banning imports from illegal Israeli settlements. Israel announced it was closing its embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of anti-Semitic rhetoric and attempting to “redefine ‘genocide’ in international law to support baseless claims against Israel at the International court of justice.”
It is a “deep slander” and “gross defamation” to accuse Irish people of being antisemitic and is “part of a pattern to damage Ireland”.
President Michael D Higgins
In his first speech to the 34th Dáil, Taoiseach Simon Harris forcefully rejected Israel’s accusations, stating that Ireland would not be intimidated from calling for peace and respect for international law.
What’s Next for the New Dáil?
With a speaker now in place, the hard work begins for Ireland’s political parties as they seek to hammer out a coalition agreement:
- Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are likely to form the core of the new government, but will need the support of independents or smaller parties to reach a majority.
- The Regional Independents group is seen as the most likely kingmaker, with its nine TDs potentially holding the balance of power.
- Coalition talks are expected to stretch into January, as parties remain at odds over key policy issues like housing, health, and climate change.
Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the election of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle ensures the 34th Dáil is already one for the history books. As Ireland’s first female speaker, she will undoubtedly face challenges in the months ahead as she presides over a fragmented parliament at a time of political instability. Her pledge to act as a “reasoned voice in a heated building” may well be tested in the battles to come.
