Séamus Kirk elected Ceann Comhairle

LOUTH FF TD Séamus Kirk was elected as the new Ceann Comhairle by 87 votes to 51.

He was supported by Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and Sinn Féin, and opposed by Fine Gael, who had nominated Donegal South-West TD Dinny McGinley for the post. Labour abstained.

After his election, Mr Kirk said that he valued very highly the great honour conferred on him.

He said that he “humbly” sought the co-operation of members. “I trust and, indeed, feel sure this co-operation will be readily forthcoming at all times from all sides of the House,” he added.

“My aim will be to carry out the work of the chair in such a manner as to give full expression to all members.” He added that as chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, he was looking forward to continuing and encouraging further modernisation of the parliamentary administration within the current programme of cutbacks already adopted.

Earlier, nominating Mr Kirk, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that in almost 27 years as a member of the House, Mr Kirk had garnered much experience in the workings and nature of parliamentary democracy.

“He has a deep affinity for the House and its traditions,” he added.

His nomination was seconded by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that the House was meeting in extraordinary circumstances.

“The revelations about the expenses and costs associated with the office of the previous ceann comhairle led to his resignation becoming inevitable,” he added.

However, politics, he added, should not be devoid of humanity or a sense of decency.

“That is why I made no apology for setting out a process which would have allowed the previous ceann comhairle to state his position at the forum of the Dáil established for that purpose.”

Mr Kenny called on the House to start a new process. “I believe that what happens in other parliaments, where the elected members decide by secret ballot who they want to be their speaker, should happen here,” he said.

He said that while he could not question Mr Kirk’s integrity and work rate, “the fact remains that he represents the chairmanship of his political party”.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said his party was not making any alternative proposal to Mr Kirk’s nomination.

“One of my colleagues, Deputy Brendan Howlin, holds the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle,” he added.

“It would be entirely inappropriate for a party which holds one of these offices to nominate one of its members for the other.”

He added Labour would accept Mr Kirk’s nomination, saying the party held him in great respect.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said he had known Mr Kirk for many years and had always found him a courteous and hard-working colleague.

“We look forward to working with the new Ceann Comhairle for the remainder of this Dáil, for however long or short a time that may be,” he added.