Fianna Fáil TDs will meet next Monday to decide on a single nominee – with four members expressing an interest.

It is been speculated that Fine Gael’s Fergus O’Dowd or John Deasy could be nominated, while Labour’s Brendan Howlin has also been mentioned.

Sinn Fein is putting forward its longest-serving TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, while independents Maureen O’Sullivan and Finian McGrath have also been linked with the role.

The position will be filled by secret ballot as the first item of business when the new Dail meets in a week’s time.

Deputy O’Caoláin told Northern Sound it is a great honour to have been selected by the Sinn Féin Party: “I realise and fully appreciate the importance of the role, in terms of fairness and impartiality and upholding the highest standards, of the office of Ceann Comhairle.”