Senator Rory Kiely has been selected as the Fianna Fáil nominee for the position of Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.
The 68-year-old from Feenagh, County Limerick, was first elected to the Seanad in 1977.
The Government's majority in the Upper House means that he is certain to be elected to the post when the Seanad meets next week. He succeeds Brian Mullooly, who retired at the last General Election.
Senator Kiely defeated three other candidates: Ann Ormonde, Paschal Mooney and Terry Leyden.
The Taoiseach has appointed Senator Mary O'Rourke to the position of Leader of the House. This post was formerly held by her constituency colleague Donie Cassidy, who took her Dáil seat in the General Election.
