Elected Ceann Comhairle of the 31st Dáil unopposed on March 9th, 2011, Seán Barrett is automatically returned to the Dáil as he is seeking another term as chairman of the lower house. Formerly an insurance broker, he was first elected to the Dáil in 1981 and at every subsequent election until he retired at the 2002 general election. He was asked to run again for Fine Gael in 2007. In his role as Ceann Comhairle, few have been spared Barrett sharp tongue and sometimes short temper. In fact, he has been described as "an equal opportunities grump". He was minister for defence and minister for the marine between 1995 and 1997, and also served as Government chief whip and in minister of state positions.

He is married with two sons and three daughters.