Mandate for Verona Murphy as next Ceann Comhairle

By Dan Walsh

Deputy Verona Murphy convened a meeting of her campaigners and supporters together with the Wexford Independent Alliance councillors in a packed Slaney suite at Talbot Hotel, Wexford, to consult with them regarding her nomination by the Region Independent group to seek to position of Ceann Comhairle.

Deputy Murphy set out the circumstances surrounding her nomination and sought the views of her supporters in relation to it. Speaking at the meeting Deputy Murphy said; “My mandate as a TD is your mandate, I serve a TD at your discretion, on that basis it is necessary that you have your say in relation to this nomination, and if it is the view of the meeting that I should not pursue the nomination then I won’t”

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said; “It’s a massive gain for Wexford to have one of its own in the role of Ceann Comhairle because it’s a position that yields such influence and respect.” He went onto say as Ceann Comhairle you are the face and voice of Dáil Éireann; it has never been held by a woman nor indeed a Wexford person.

“Wexford would make history if you’re appointed,” said Cllr Kavanagh, who added; “Further, it is incumbent on all the Oireachtas members in Wexford to park all political sniping, put on the Wexford jersey and go to Dáil Éireann and support Deputy Murphy for the for the position of Ceann Comhairle.”

Cllr Pat Barden said; “The Ceann Comhairle is the chairperson of our national parliament, without question it is a one of the most influential positions in Irish politics, and if you are successful your appointment it will only strengthen your mandate to deliver for the people of Wexford. “

“You will have far much more influence in that position then you would as an opposition TD, it’s a no brainer as far as serving the people of Wexford is concerned,” concluded Cllr Barden.

The election of Ceann Comhairle takes place at the first sitting of the 34th Dáil in Leinster House on Wednesday, December 18^th at 10.30am in which 174 newly elected TD’s vote in a secret ballot to select the Ceann Comhairle.