Tributes to Kildare TD who will step down as Ceann Comhairle

Will be automatically re-elected to Dáil

Tributes have been paid to Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl for his service as Ceann Comhairle after he announced he will vacate his seat as chair of the Dáil after he is automatically returned to the 34th Dáil as a member for Kildare South.

The TD has had a successful battle with prostate cancer and believes he can continue to contribute to politics. 

Speaking to the Irish Independent, he said: “I have decided that it would be a very great honour to continue to represent the people of South Kildare in Dáil Éireann, and to contribute to the public interest in whatever way I can.”

Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate for Kildare South, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said: “Seán has served for almost nine years in the office and I wholeheartedly welcome the news that, two and a half years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he is now cancer-free.
“Seán has been a very fair and committed Ceann Comhairle and I wish him well in the future."