Ceann Comhairle

Overview

The Ceann Comhairle is expected to observe strict impartiality. Despite this, a government usually tries to select a member of its own political party for the position, if it has enough deputies to allow that choice. In order to protect the neutrality of the chair, the Constitution of Ireland provides that an incumbent Ceann Comhairle does not seek re-election as a Teachta Dála (Deputy to the Dáil), but rather is deemed automatically to have been re-elected by their constituency at that general election, unless they are retiring. As a consequence, the constituency that an incumbent Ceann Comhairle represents elects one fewer TD in a general election than its usual entitlement, but still has the same number of TDs. Under standing orders, no member of the government or Minister of State may act as Ceann Comhairle or Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

The Ceann Comhairle does not take part in debates, nor do they vote except in the event of a tie. In this event, they generally vote in accordance with the parliamentary conventions relating to the Speaker of the British House of Commons, which tend to amount to voting against motions. The Ceann Comhairle formally opens each day's sitting by reading the official prayer. The Ceann Comhairle is the sole judge of order in the house and has a number of special functions. Specifically, the Ceann Comhairle:

• Calls on members to speak. All speeches must be addressed to the Ceann Comhairle.
• Puts such questions to the house, and supervises and declares the results of divisions.
• Has authority to suppress disorder. To ensure obedience to their rulings the Ceann Comhairle may order members to withdraw from the Dáil or suspend an individual from the House for a period. In the case of great disorder, the Ceann Comhairle can suspend or adjourn the house.
• Rings a bell when deputies are out of order. The bell is a half-sized reproduction of the ancient bell of Lough Lene Castle found at Castle Island, Lough Lene, Castlepollard, County Westmeath in 1881 and now in the National Museum. The reproduction was presented in 1931 by the widow of Bryan Cooper, a former TD.

The Ceann Comhairle is an ex officio member of the Presidential Commission, the Council of State, and the Commission for Public Service Appointments.

Since the 1937 Constitution, the Ceann Comhairle has been an ex officio member of the Council of State, beginning with Frank Fahy. The earlier presiding officers never served on the Council of State: i.e. those of the Revolutionary Dáil (1919–1922: Cathal Brugha, George Noble Plunkett, Eoin MacNeill, and Michael Hayes) and the Free State Dáil (1922–1936: Hayes again, before Fahy).

History

The position of Ceann Comhairle was created on the first day of the Dáil on 21 January 1919, when it was first established as a breakaway revolutionary parliament. The first Ceann Comhairle was Cathal Brugha, who served for only one day, presiding over the Dáil's first meeting, before leaving the post to become President of Dáil Éireann. The office was continued under the 1922–1937 Irish Free State, the constitution of which referred to the office-holder as the "Chairman of Dáil Éireann". The practice of automatically re-electing the Ceann Comhairle in a general election was introduced by a constitutional amendment in 1927. The outgoing Ceann Comhairle is returned at the election for their former party.

Following the abolition on 11 December 1936 of the office of Governor-General, the Ceann Comhairle was assigned some of the former office's ceremonial functions, including signing bills into law and convening and dissolving the Dáil. These powers were transferred to the new office of President of Ireland when a new Constitution came into force on 29 December 1937, being carried out by the Presidential Commission, which included the Ceann Comhairle, until the first president entered office on 25 June 1938. The new Constitution retained the position of Ceann Comhairle and the practice of automatic re-election.

Patrick Hogan retired due to ill health in 1967, and died in 1969 before the following election. Joseph Brennan died in office in 1980.

John O'Donoghue resigned the office in 2009 after an expenses scandal. As an ordinary TD he was no longer entitled to be returned automatically at 2011 general election, in which he lost his seat.

The Ceann Comhairle was first elected by secret ballot in 2016.

Following the 2024 general election, a group of Independent TDs requested that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael support Verona Murphy becoming Ceann Comhairle as a condition of their support for government formation. The request was accepted and with their backing, Murphy won the 2024 Ceann Comhairle election. In doing so, Murphy became the first woman to ever hold the role. However, the move was criticised, particularly by the Opposition parties, as traditionally the Ceann Comhairle is supposed to neutral and unaligned in the Dáil. Critics suggested Murphy would have to be loyal to the government if she owed her position to their support.

On 1 April 2025, a vote of confidence was held in a Ceann Comhairle for the first time. This arose in response to the speaking rights dispute. The motion of confidence in Verona Murphy was agreed by a vote of 96 to 71, with 2 abstentions.

Rules for election

Under the rules for the election of the Ceann Comhairle, introduced during the 31st Dáil, candidates must be nominated by at least seven other members of Dáil Éireann. Each member may nominate only one candidate. Nominations must be submitted to the Clerk of the Dáil by not later than 6 p.m. on the day before the first day the Dáil meets after the general election in order to be valid, but may be withdrawn at any time up to the close of nominations.

If more than one candidate is nominated, the Dáil will vote by secret ballot in order of preference after the candidates' speeches, which may not exceed five minutes, with an absolute majority required for victory. If no candidate wins a majority on first preferences, the individual with the fewest votes will be eliminated and their votes redistributed in accordance with their next highest preference, under the alternative vote voting system. Eliminations and redistributions will continue until one member receives the requisite absolute majority. Then, the House will vote on a formal motion to appoint the member in question to the position of Ceann Comhairle. The Clerk of the Dáil will be the presiding officer of the House during the election process.

List of office-holders

Ceann Comhairle

For each Ceann Comhairle, this tables lists the number of the Dáil, the period in which they held office, their constituencies and their political affiliation immediately prior to their appointment.

Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle holds office as the deputy chairperson of Dáil Éireann under Article 15.9.1 of the constitution. In the absence of the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle deputises and performs the duties and exercises the authority of the Ceann Comhairle in Dáil proceedings. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is also elected by secret ballot. The current Leas-Cheann Comhairle is Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness. Traditionally, the position was reserved for an Opposition TD. The role carries the pay and status as a Minister of State.

Footnotes

References

Sources

Citations

References

1. (7 June 2022). "TDs and Senators salaries".
2. "Ceann Comhairle".
3. "CONSTITUTION OF IRELAND". [[Irish Statute Book]].
4. "Members of the Commission". Commission for Public Service Appointments.
5. "Ceann Comhairle – History". Houses of the Oireachtas.
6. {{cite Irish legislation. (1927). (19 March 1927)
7. {{cite Irish legislation. (1927). (22 May 1927)
8. (December 1957}} and {{Cite web). "Election results and transfer of votes in general election (March, 1957) for sixteenth Dáil and bye-elections to fifteenth Dáil (1954-1957)". Dublin Stationery Office.
9. (3 March 2016). "Race to be Ceann Comhairle heats up as secret ballot to be used for the first time in election".
10. McQuinn, Cormac. (17 December 2025). "Harris and Fine Gael join Fianna Fáil in backing Verona Murphy for Ceann Comhairle". [[The Irish Times]].
11. Ó Broin, Cian. (17 December 2024). "Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin backing Verona Murphy for ceann comhairle, hinting at coalition deal with Independents". Irish Independent.
12. Wilson, Jade. (18 December 2024). "Dáil live updates: Verona Murphy elected as first female ceann comhairle". [[The Irish Times]].
13. McNally, Tadgh. (18 December 2024). "Murphy endorsement meets criticism as FF and FG accused of using Ceann Comhairle role as a 'bargaining chip'". [[Irish Examiner]].
14. Maguire, Mairead. (18 December 2025). "Fianna Fáil TD questions Verona Murphy's impartiality ahead of Ceann Comhairle election". [[TheJournal.ie]].
15. Lehane, Mícheál. (26 March 2025). "Government to vote confidence in Ceann Comhairle". [[RTÉ News]].
16. (17 February 2020). "Here's who is in the mix for the job of keeping order in the next Dáil". TheJournal.ie.
17. (17 January 2017). "Standing Orders Relative to Public Business; together with Oireachtas Library & Research Service Rules". Oireachtas.
18. (21 January 1919). "1. CEANN COMHAIRLE I gCOIR AN LAE. – Dáil Éireann (1st Dáil) – Vol. F No. 1".
19. (22 January 1919). "Prelude – Dáil Éireann (1st Dáil) – Vol. F No. 2".
20. (22 January 1919). "ELECTION OF SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER – Dáil Éireann (1st Dáil) – Vol. F No. 2".
21. (1 April 1919). "ELECTION OF SPEAKER, DEPUTY SPEAKER, AND CLERKS - ELECTION OF CEANN COMHAIRLE (SPEAKER) – Dáil Éireann (1st Dáil) – Vol. F No. 3".
22. (16 August 1921). "ELECTION OF CEANN COMHAIRLE – Dáil Éireann (2nd Dáil) – Vol. S No. 1".
23. (9 September 1922). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (3rd Dáil) – Vol. 1 No. 1".
24. (6 December 1922). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (3rd Dáil) – Vol. 2 No. 1".
25. (19 September 1923). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (4th Dáil) – Vol. 5 No. 1".
26. (23 June 1927). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (5th Dáil) – Vol. 20 No. 1".
27. (11 October 1927). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (6th Dáil) – Vol. 21 No. 1".
28. (9 March 1932). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (7th Dáil) – Vol. 41 No. 1".
29. (8 February 1933). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Vol. 46 No. 1".
30. (21 July 1937). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (9th Dáil) – Vol. 69 No. 1".
31. (30 June 1938). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (10th Dáil) – Vol. 72 No. 1".
32. (1 July 1943). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (11th Dáil) – Vol. 91 No. 1".
33. (9 June 1944). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (12th Dáil) – Vol. 94 No. 1".
34. (18 February 1948). "Election of Ceann Comhairle - Dáil Éireann (13th Dáil) – Vol. 110 No. 1".
35. (13 June 1951). "Election of Ceann Comhairle - Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Vol. 126 No. 1".
36. (2 June 1954). "Election of Ceann Comhairle - Dáil Éireann (15th Dáil) – Vol. 146 No. 1".
37. (20 March 1957). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – Vol. 161 No. 1".
38. (11 October 1961). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (17th Dáil) – Vol. 192 No. 1".
39. (21 April 1965). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (18th Dáil) – Vol. 215 No. 1".
40. (7 November 1965). "Retirement of Ceann Comhairle: Report of Clerk of Dáil – Dáil Éireann (18th Dáil) – Vol. 230 No. 2".
41. (14 November 1967). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (18th Dáil) – Vol. 231 No. 2".
42. (2 April 1969). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (19th Dáil) – Vol. 241 No. 1".
43. (14 March 1973). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (20th Dáil) – Vol. 265 No. 1".
44. (5 July 1977). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Vol. 300 No. 1".
45. (15 October 1980). "Death of Ceann Comhairle: Expression of Sympathy – Dáil Éireann (21st Dáil) – Vol. 323 No. 1".
46. (15 October 1980). "Office of Ceann Comhairle". Oireachtas.
47. (16 October 1980). "Election of Ceann Comhairle". Oireachtas.
48. (30 June 1981). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (22nd Dáil) – Vol. 329 No. 1".
49. (9 March 1982). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (23rd Dáil) – Vol. 333 No. 1".
50. (14 December 1982). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (24th Dáil) – Vol. 339 No. 1".
51. (10 March 1987). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (25th Dáil)".
52. (29 June 1989). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (26th Dáil)".
53. (14 December 1992). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (27th Dáil) – Vol. 425 No. 1".
54. (26 June 1997). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Vol. 480 No. 1".
55. (6 June 2002). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (29th Dáil) – Vol. 553 No. 1".
56. (14 June 2007). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Vol. 637 No. 1".
57. (13 October 2009). "Statement by An Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Vol. 691 No. 3".
58. (13 October 2009). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Vol. 691 No. 3".
59. (9 March 2011). "Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (31st Dáil) – Vol. 728 No. 1".
60. "Selection of Candidate and Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (32nd Dáil) – Thursday, 10 March 2016".
61. (20 February 2020). "Selection of Candidate and Election of Ceann Comhairle – Dáil Éireann (33rd Dáil) – Vol. 992 No. 1".
62. (18 December 2024). "Verona Murphy elected new Ceann Comhairle on third count". [[RTÉ News]].
63. "Leas-Cheann Comhairle". Houses of the Oireachtas.
64. McGee, Harry. (1 April 2011). "FF TD selected by Taoiseach to serve as Leas-Cheann Comhairle". [[The Irish Times]].
65. (16 August 1921). "ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER – Dáil Éireann (2nd Dáil) – Vol. S No. 1".
66. (6 December 1922). "Leas Cheann Comhairle do Thogha – Dáil Éireann (3rd Dáil) – Vol. 2 No. 1".