The Dail will reconvene this morning to elect a Taoiseach after chaotic scenes forced it to be suspended four times yesterday. It's related to a row over opposition speaking time to a bunch of government-supporting Independents in the Regional Technical Group.
Andrew Lowth reports: "Micheal Martin was expected to be elected Taoiseach yesterday, and he was set to appoint his Cabinet. However, the Dáil barely got past approving the order of business, after the opposition hit out at the Ceann Comhairle for allowing a portion of their speaking time to a group of Independents including Michael Lowry.
"The Regional Group have four junior ministries in the new government, and the remaining three plus Danny Healy Rae were trying to take their place in the opposition benches. It led to explosive scenes in the Dáil chamber with the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy eventually suspending the Dáil for the fourth time until this morning.
"The opposition say they're 'united' in protesting about the issue, saying the government can sort it out. If there is some common ground found, Micheal Martin will be elected Taoiseach today, and will appoint his Cabinet this afternoon. The Dáil reconvenes this morning at 10:30.
Cavan-Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Matt Cathy says it is up to the Ceann Comhairle to win the confidence of the Dáil in the wake of yesterday's proceedings:
