Pat the Cope Gallagher will seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for the Ceann Comhairle position. Pic by Northwest Newspix.
DONEGAL TD Pat the Cope Gallagher is facing challengers from within his own party to be the next Ceann Comhairle.
Deputy Gallagher would be guaranteed his seat the next election – which could be this year – if he lands the position.
The Ceann Comhairle is automatically re-elected at the following election. The post comes with a Ministerial salary and a car.
However other Fianna Fáil contenders have emerged and are said to include Seán Ó Fearghaíl of Kildare South.
Other names linked to the job include Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan, of Cork North West.
Fine Gael names associated with the post include Fergus O’Dowd of Louth; John Deasy of Waterford; Michael Ring of Mayo; and Mary Mitchell O’Connor of Dún Laoghaire.
Sinn Féin want veteran TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin from Cavan Monaghan in the post. Independent TDs whose names have been mentioned include Finian McGrath of Dublin Bay North and John Halligan of Waterford.