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)
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026
Bressie To Perform At Oprah Winfrey Dublin Show
Daniel Kinahan To Be Held In Laois Prison