Three of the new Carlow Kilkenny TDs will have their first Dáil sitting today, with another in contention for the Ceann Comhairle role.
Catherine Callaghan of Fine Gael, Natasha Newsome Drennan of Sinn Féin and Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere of Fianna Fáil are among more than 50 who have their inaugural gathering as deputies when the house sits from 10:30am.
One of the first duties, will be to elect the new Ceann Comhairle – there are four names officially on the ballot, including John McGuinness and outgoing CC Seán Ó Fearghaíl though their party with Fine Gael have thrown support behind Wexford Independent Verona Murphy while also on the bill is Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
But each of the 174 Teacha Dála gets to vote in secret so the outcome may still surprise.
Jennifer Murnane O’Connor is also making a return today for the constituency.
