Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a long point of order but I must rule it out of order. Standing Orders require the Seanad to fix a date for the election of the Cathaoirleach, immediately followed by the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. This is a constitutional provision and is also set out in Standing Orders. Whether we like it or not, under Standing Orders, a minimum notice period of four working days must be served before the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I researched the point when I felt I might become Cathaoirleach. Unfortunately, we will have no Order of Business today. The only purpose for which we are called here today was to elect a Cathaoirleach and the other business must take place after the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach next week. I have no choice in that, given that, even if we were to proceed with the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach tomorrow, there would be objections that it was against Standing Orders. I am bound by this constitutional provision and I hope the Senator will submit to my ruling.