THE Ceann Comhairle, Mr Sean Treacy took the Dail by surprise when he announced yesterday that he will retire from politics at the next election, waiving his right of automatic re election. It was a moment of parliamentary drama, with electoral implications for one deputy in particular.

It had been assumed Mr Treacy would return to the next Dail and perhaps be reelected as Ceann Comhairle in the event of a hung Dail. As he made his announcement, the broadest smile was worn by his South Tipperary colleague, Mr Michael Ferris (Labour), sitting deep on the Government backbenches. Mr Ferris's chances of reelection have been given a considerable boost in the new Tipperary South three seater.

When proceedings opened at 10.30 a.m., Mr Treacy, dressed in the robes of his office, rose to formally announce his retirement.

Referring to the speculation about a general election, but stressing he was not privy to the Taoiseach's thinking on the matter, he said: "I deem it timely and important to make an announcement to the Dail so that you, my peers, will in the first instance be aware of my intentions."

He said that under Electoral Act 1992, an outgoing Ceann Comhairle not wishing to become a member of the next Dail was obliged to announce it to the House. "I wish to formally announce that I do not desire to become a member of An Dail at the next general election . . . I will not, therefore, be availing of my constitutional right to automatic reelection to the new 28th Dail.

"I am now in the twilight of a long public career, and I deem it far more desirable and appropriate that the people of South Tipperary, who have so consistently honoured me with their votes, should now decide who should represent them in this new Dail, so I give to all concerned fair notice of my intentions to hand on the torch of unsullied public service to others in the hope and belief that they, too, will continue to uphold the best traditions, the noblest traditions of the premier county.

"I count myself most fortunate to have served my country and my constituents of Tipperary for so long and in such exalted positions at home and abroad, and to all who helped me along the way, I extend to them heartfelt, everlasting gratitude. May I say, finally, to have presided over this great democratic assembly for so long was a dream fulfilled for me.

Mr Treacy's announcement was followed by applause and warm tributes from all sides of the House. The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said throughout his political career, Mr Treacy had put the interests of working people high on his agenda. As Ceann Comhairle, he had treated all members of the House with consummate fairness.

"You have also, in the decision you announced today, shown a willingness to put the interests of the people of South Tipperary first in front of any interests you might have had personally. The comfort of being reelected to the Dail without a contest is something that to my knowledge no one ever before has willingly given up. You have done so.

The Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, said Mr Treacy had always been impartial and had filled his high office with dignity. At times of political turmoil, he had always managed to keep the proceedings going, which was not always an easy job.

The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said in many ways it was a sad day, but it was also one in which the House could collectively take pride, given Mr Treacy's performance as the chairman of the most democratic assembly in the State.

The PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, said it was probably the last occasion when there would be unanimity between all the party leaders "in these, the dying days of the 27th Dail". Mr Treacy had served the House, and particularly the office of Ceann Comhairle, with great distinction and had made a selfless decision.

The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa, said Mr Treacy had served the State and its people exceptionally well. The job of Ceann Comhairle was thankless: "The best tribute I can pay to you is that you have served the role of Ceann Comhairle with distinction."

Several other deputies, including his South Tipperary colleagues, joined in the tributes. Addressing Mr Ferris, Mr Noel Davern (FF) said Mr Treacy's decision meant the "novenas of some have been answered". Mr Ferris said it was a decision which took courage, and it influenced the political landscape of South Tipperary.

At the conclusion of the tributes, Mr Treacy expressed his thanks, adding to loud laughter: "You know, the tributes have been such that I have had to kick myself just to ascertain that I was still alive. At the same time, I know full well there are some members of the House who are damn glad to see the back of me."