Fianna Fáil TD Seán O'Fearghail is the party's candidate for the position of Ceann Comhairle.

Mr O’Fearghail was chosen at a parliamentary party meeting on Monday afternoon.

The Kildare South TD was selected by the members over Brendan Smith, Michael Monyihan, Pat "the Cope" Gallagher and John McGuinness.

Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan, Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin are also in the running to replace incumbent Seán Barrett.

Fine Gael has said any of its TDs who can get seven nominations will be allowed to contest the position.