THE POSITION of Ceann Comhairle was not part of the discussions with the Green Party on the renewed Programme for Government, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said yesterday after former Green leader Trevor Sargent expressed interest in the post.
Outgoing Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue, who is resigning following a controversy over his travel and other expenses, is scheduled to make a statement to the Dáil at 2.30pm today.
Mr O’Donoghue’s resignation will bring to a close one of the most dramatic episodes in recent parliamentary history. It will be followed at approximately 3pm by nominations for the post and the election of his successor. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected to nominate members of their respective parties.
Asked by reporters in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last night if there was an agreement in last week’s talks with the Green Party that the job would go to Minister of State for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent, the Taoiseach said: “It did not arise in the context of the negotiations.”
Mr Cowen said that, outside the context of the talks, Green Party leader John Gormley “did indicate to me that Trevor was interested in the post”. Asked if it was possible that Mr Sargent could be nominated, Mr Cowen said: “Obviously, he has indicated his interest . . . We will make it clear tomorrow.”
Asked if he would support Mr Sargent’s nomination, the Taoiseach said: “As you know, there is a number of well-qualified candidates . . . The situation will emerge tomorrow, and we will deal with it there.” As Fianna Fáil leader, the Taoiseach added, “I have some people in my own party who would be very eminently suitable also.”
Speculation about Mr Sargent’s prospects developed when, in the course of a trade visit to Germany yesterday, he told journalists he was “very interested in the position”.
Mr Gormley had phoned him about it yesterday morning and discussions were ongoing, he said.
He added that while he would be “sad” to leave his current post as Minister of State for Food, he would enjoy the “challenge” of being Ceann Comhairle. “I was cathaoirleach in my local authority area, I feel I could do a good job. I think Id probably add more Irish to the job as a result and I think that would be good for everybody.”
However, a Government source firmly ruled Mr Sargent out of contention. The likelihood remains that a Fianna Fáil TD will secure the post and, among many names mentioned, the most prominent is that of the chairman of the parliamentary party, Seamus Kirk.
There were indications at an early stage yesterday that Mr Cowen might support the nomination of a Fine Gael candidate, with Donegal South-West TD Dinny McGinley at the centre of speculation.
However, it is thought offering the job to an Opposition party member would upset Fianna Fáil backbenchers, despite the obvious advantages in terms of helping to secure the Government’s majority. When a vote is tied, the Ceann Comhairle traditionally gives a casting vote in favour of the Government of the day.
Contacted by The Irish Timeslast night, Mr McGinley said: "I haven't been approached at all. All I know is what I read in the paper. I would be very, very surprised if it didn't go to one of the Government parties."
Asked if the main Opposition party would allow one of its members to accept the position, a Fine Gael spokesman said: “I have no knowledge that there is any such offer. That would be a matter for the front bench to consider at their meeting tomorrow morning.”
It was considered significant the Fine Gael spokesman did not rule out accepting the offer if it were made.
Labour is also unlikely to put forward a candidate, since one of its own TDs, Brendan Howlin, already holds the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle and has made it known that he is not interested in standing.