Meeting on new Ceann Comhairle sought

The Taoiseach this morning told the Dáil that the appointment of a new Ceann Comhairle was the prerogative of the Government following the decision of John O'Donoghue to resign.

Brian Cowen said he respected Mr O'Donoghue's decision, which, he said, was done in the interests of the House and the office of the Ceann Comhairle.

During Leaders' Questions, Eamon Gilmore called on the Taoiseach to meet the leaders of the Opposition to discuss the election of the new Ceann Comhairle on the basis that person needed to have the confidence of the House.

Responding, Mr Cowen said the appointment required "careful consideration" and that he would welcome input from the Opposition on this issue, with a unanimous decision his preference. However, Mr Cowen said the prerogative of the Government had to be respected "as with previous administrations at any time".

"I have said to deputies . . . that if people have any suggestions to make on a private basis that they wish to put to me, I will consider them, but the prerogative of the Government on this matter should and can be respected."

Mr Gilmore earlier welcomed Mr O'Donoghue's statement that he intended to resign, saying he believed it would be on Tuesday at 2.30pm, and said it was not unreasonable to allow him some days to organise staff and office affairs.

However, the Labour leader said he was leaving the motion of no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle on the order paper, "and I want to make it clear that if there is any attempt to take advantage of any changing political circumstances, that I will be insisted that motion be taken before any other business".

He asked the Taoiseach if any arrangements had been made to elect a new Ceann Comhairle and expressed his belief that the necessity to elect one during a sitting Dáil represented a new set of circumstances.

The Taoiseach said it would be "less than seemly" to haggle over details of his standing down, and that to assign other motives to Mr O'Donoghue's move to resign next week were "merely cynical". Mr Cowen said it was appropriate that business was ordered next week to allow Mr O'Donoghue to make a statement to the House.

Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin repeated party's stance that today was the appropriate time for the Ceann Comhairle to resign, and he said Mr O'Donoghue would have "ample time" to arrange the affairs of his office.

Responding, Mr Cowen said: "There are some who can't step back from dancing on the grave, but I'm not one of them."

Mr O'Donoghue announced late last night that he intends to resign his position next week amid controversy over his expenses. Fine Gael and Sinn Féin have called on him to step down from his position immediately.

Mr O'Donoghue was not in the Dáil for Leaders' Questions, which were overseen by Leas-Cheann Comhairle Brendan Howlin