Fianna Fail's Denis O'Donovan has been elected Cathaoirleach of the new Seanad.

He was elected with the support of Fine Gael as the new Seanad met today for the first time.

His election means both the Dáil and Seanad are chaired by members of Fianna Fáil.

The position was also contested by Sinn Féin's Rose Conway-Walsh - something the new Cathaoirleach says is important:

Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer has meanwhile been named as the Leader of the House.

But after electing a Cathaoirleach today, the 'Upper House' of the Oireachtas will adjourn again for a week.

The 25th Seanad is the most diverse Seanad in history. 

The house of 60 includes 18 women, 14 independents (and a Green), and three openly gay members. Among its members are a surfing champion, a Students' Union president, a restauranteur from Chicago, charity figures, and a balladeer. 

Former Tanaiste Michael McDowell is marking the first day of the new Seanad by tabling legislation which would reform the Seanad elections, giving every Irish citizen (potentially worldwide) the right to a postal vote.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: