A number of midlands TDs are among the fresh faces in Leinster House today.
Seán Ó Fearghail has been re-elected as Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil.
The Fianna Fáil TD saw off Independent Denis Naughten 130 votes to 28.
In the next hour, voting will begin to elect a Taoiseach, with no candidate likely to be successful.
But Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says the choice is clear for people;
Meanwhile,
Sinn Fein's newly elected Meath-West TD Johnny Guirke says he wants to hit the ground running for the benefit of those who elected him:
A number of other midlands TDs are among the 48 fresh faces in Leinster House today, as the new Dáil sits for the first time.
They're Longford/Westmeath's Joe Flaherty of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke, and independent Cathal Berry and Patricia Ryan on Sinn Féin in Kildare South.
Deputies Patricia Ryan and Joe Flaherty signing the register in Leinster House.
(Photo credit: Facebook/Patricia Ryan, Facebook/Joe Flaherty)
Mildands Mother Urges Community To Take Part In MS Readathon
Laois Inclusion Club Hopes To Dance Its Way Onto The Late Late Toy Show
New Book Explores The Pressures Of Brian Cowen’s Reign As Taoiseach
Plans Underway To Mark Fifth Anniversary Of Ashling Murphy’s Death
Laois Senator Calls For Action On High Home Heating Oil And Gas Prices
Laois Restaurant Closes Doors After Opening Two Months Ago
Youth Council Calls For Action As Most Young Adults Consider Emigration
Community Search For Missing Westmeath Man Seeks Sonar And Drone Equipment