Labour is preparing to propose one of its own TDs for the position of ceann comhairle if Séan Barrett resigns before the end of this Dáil, with former minister Pat Rabbitte mentioned as the most likely candidate.

Mr Barrett last month told The Irish Times he might resign and return to the Fine Gael backbenches before the next general election.

He said he would not like to retire from politics as ceann comhairle and might decide against taking the free run available to holders of his office.

His statement has led to speculation around Leinster House about which Fine Gael TD would replace him.

However, sources in Labour said the junior Coalition partner might press the case for one of its own TDs to get the job.

No vacancy

Tánaiste Joan Burton’s spokesman last night said “there is no vacancy so the issue does not arise” but party sources believe the position will not necessarily go to someone in Fine Gael. However, any such moves are likely to be resisted by the senior Government party.

When asked whether it was possible he could take over as ceann comhairle should Mr Barrett step aside, Mr Rabbitte said: “You might say that, I couldn’t possibly comment.”

However, it is understood the Dublin South-West TD is open to the idea of taking on the position of chair of the Dáil if approached. The ceann comhairle is automatically returned to the Dáil at the next general election.

The ceann comhairle, as well as chairing the Dáil, is heavily involved in running Leinster House and in administrative functions across the Houses of the Oireachtas. The position comes with the same salary as a cabinet minister, just over €157,000, and an allowance for a driver, although the ceann comhairle must provide the car.

Mr Barrett did not return requests for comment on Friday night. Speaking last month, he ruled out taking on a second term as ceann comhairle but said he had yet to decide if he would retire from politics at the next election.

Backbenches

“The only reason I’d step down is that I felt I’d like to spend some time back on the backbenches to get involved more and that’s if I decide I wasn’t going to stand or avail of the free run,” he said. “That’s a decision I have to take. I wouldn’t like to leave here without having the experience of saying what I thought about certain things. And I can do that on the backbenches.”

Mr Barrett has clashed with Sinn Féin on numerous occasions in recent months, and accused the party of using him as a “pawn to deflect attention” from their own political difficulties, such as the Maíria Cahill controversy.

Mary Lou McDonald staged a Dáil sit-in, with the party claiming Mr Barrett was “unfair”.

In a statement on Saturday, Fianna Fáil party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl called on Mr Barrett to clarify whether he intends to resign his position before the end of this Dáil term.

“This ongoing conjecture surrounding the post of the Ceann Comhairle is deeply worrying. Reports this morning suggest that Labour is now vying to fill the role if it becomes vacant. This is not a position that should be offered up as a ‘sweetener’ to keep a Government coalition partner happy or to repair internal disagreements,” he said.

“I am anxious to ensure that the reputation and independence of this important constitutional position is maintained and is not tainted by political manoeuvrings or platitudes.”