Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness was ratified as Leas Cheann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil last night, defeating Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh in a secret ballot.
McGuinness, the sole candidate from the Government benches, was elected following an agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as part of the Government formation talks. He will receive a €61,892 allowance in addition to the €113,679 salary as a TD.
First elected to the Dáil in 1997 for Carlow/Kilkenny, McGuinness expressed his delight at the appointment and thanked his colleagues for their support.
Junior Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, a fellow Fianna Fáil member, spoke highly of McGuinness, telling KCLR that he is the “right man for the job” and will bring valuable experience to the role.
