Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)

Before we proceed to Leaders' Questions, I have a short announcement to make to the House. It is the first time since 1973 that a sitting TD has successfully contested a presidential election and it is the first time in the history of our Constitution that a sitting female TD has successfully contested a presidential election. In accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, I have received formal communication from the Presidential Returning Officer confirming to me that he had, on 25 October, declared Catherine Connolly to be elected President of Ireland.

Members are also advised that, pursuant to Article 12.6 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the President-elect ceased to be a Member of the Dáil on her election and a vacancy now exists in the constituency of Galway West, to be filled in accordance with law.

President-elect Connolly is the first sitting TD since Erskine Childers in 1973 to be elected Uachtarán na hÉireann. On behalf of the House, I wish the President-elect every success in her new role as Uachtarán. Guím gach rath uirthi.

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