Cléireach na Dála:

The next item of business is the selection of the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann – Ceann Comhairle Dháil Éireann a roghnú. I will now proceed to the secret ballot in accordance with Standing Order 6.

I must inform the House that, having received and examined nominations for the position of Ceann Comhairle, the following is the list of validly nominated candidates: Deputy John McGuinness, Deputy Verona Murphy, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

As there is more than one candidate, the candidate who will be proposed for election by the House will be selected by secret ballot. Before proceeding to the secret ballot, I will in alphabetical order call on each candidate to speak on their own behalf, or where the candidate has been nominated by another Member to speak on their behalf, I will call on that Member. Each Deputy will have five minutes. I now call on Deputy John McGuinness.

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