By Daniel McConnell, Political Editor

Fianna Fáil TD Sean O Fearghail has been elected to become the new Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil.

He is the first Ceann Comhairle to be elected by secret ballot.

The Kildare South TD was successful in overcoming the challenge of fellow TDs Andrew Doyle, Wicklow; Bernard J Durkan, Kildare North; Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Cavan-Monaghan and Maureen O'Sullivan, Dublin Central.

He was elected on the fourth count and secured 74 votes in total, and finished 16 votes ahead of Fine Gael's Andrew Doyle. The Fianna Fail party whip in the last Dáil, Mr Ó Fearghaíl is a popular politician.

Married with one son and three daughters, Mr Ó Fearghaíl was first elected to the Dáil in 2002 having contested four previous elections unsuccessfully between 1987 and 1997.

There is some suspicion that he secured the support of a number of Fine Gael TDs which helped him secure the position.

As the Fianna Fáil whip, it was his responsibility to ensure TDs turned up to vote. He also served on the Committee for Procedure and Privileges (CPP) which has the powers to sanction deputies who step out of line.

His election means that the three seat Kildare South constituency is reduced to a two seater.

Early favourite, Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan, was eliminated from the race after the third count this afternoon.

After the third count, Seán Ó’Fearghail was on 61 votes, while Fine Gael’s Andrew Doyle was trailing behind with 48 votes.

Earlier, Fine Gael's Bernard Durkan was eliminated after the first count and his 21 votes were distributed. While Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was eliminated after the second count having received just 24 votes and no transfers. Mr Ó Fearghaíl's election will mean he will be automatically re-elected as TD to the 33rd Dáil.

The result will be formally ratified by the Dáil this afternoon.