First vote by new TD is against Government

The new TD for Tipperary South, Mr Seamus Healy, cast his first Dail vote shortly after receiving a cross-party welcome to the chamber.

Mr Healy voted against the Government in a division on the Order of Business.

Earlier, he departed from the usual format for new members on their first day when he asked the House's head usher, Mr Paddy Behan, rather than a sitting TD, to escort him down the steps of the chamber to be introduced to the Ceann Comhairle. He then sat on the Independent benches between Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr Thomas Gildea (Independent, Donegal South West).

Members of Mr Healy's family and supporters were in the public gallery.