Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan, David Maxwell says walking into the Dáil for the very first time this morning still "feels like a dream." Over 60 of the newly-elected TDs are sitting in the Dáil Chamber for the very first time today.
Speaking to Northern Sound outside Leinster House this morning, Deputy Maxwell says although this is not his first time in the Dáil since he was elected, today's first sitting of the 34th Dáil is extra special. Deputy Maxwell said that he never thought he would be in a position like this prior to Heather Humphreys announcement that she would be taking a step back from politics. Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Maxwell says it's the good people of Cavan ad Monahan who have put him here and he looks forward to working for them over the next number of years.
Meanwhile, the names of all 174 TDs elected last month have been read into the Dáil record. Taoiseach Simon Harris has offered his resignation to President Michael D Higgins in line with procedure. The Dáil will elect a Ceann Comhairle, with Independent Verona Murphy the favourite. There will then be nominations for the role of Taoiseach, none of which will be successful today.
