Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE 32ND DÁIL has been suspended for the first time as a row erupted between Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit TDs and the Ceann Comhairle.
The argey bargey came as opposition TDs complained that Fempi (Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) legislation was being extended without a vote.
The government was accused of using ‘old politics’ to bulldoze through legislation without opportunity for discussion or debate.
Discussing the proposed extension to Fempi laws, the AAA/PBP’s Mick Barry said it was “somewhat strange that financial emergency legislation is being renewed at a time when there is not a financial emergency in the State”.
His party argued for a debate and vote to be held in the Dáil before the legislation is extended before ripping up a copy of the laws.
“Do you not feel that there is a serious issue looming here?” he asked Minister Richard Bruton. “You couldn’t face down the water charge protest? You weren’t strong enough to face down the bin charge protest.”
This is the Fempi legislation here. What makes you think you’ll be strong enough to face down organised workers, organised trade unionists, sections of the organised working class movement in this country when so many people in this country feel this legislation should be ripped up?
At this point Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the deputy asked him to conclude and resume his seat, warning him that he was ”completely out of order”.
“This is not the time or the place for this debate,” he added, noting he was taking time from other deputies.
Matters seemed to calm down – but only for less than a minute.
As Bruton responded to Barry – to promise that Fempi would be unwound in a balanced manner – Ó Fearghaíl could be heard disciplining somebody else.
This time, it was AAA/PBP’s Bríd Smith who was being told she was “not in order”.
“Deputy Smith, you are not in order. This is not a TV studio,” the Ceann Comhairle said as he rose out of his seat – and she ripped up the second copy of Fempi.
Please restrain yourself. Please, please deputy. Please, I implore you to please restrain yourself.
“You can tear up all you like but please resume your seat,” he concluded.
As the Ceann Comhairle resumed his own seat, jeers of “Sit down and grow up” could be heard in the Chamber.
Eventually – after another intervention from Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane – the Dáil was suspended for five minutes to allow for the deputies dust themselves off.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
@Denis Patrick Gill: The IRA were those men and women who with the support of the majority fought for our Independence in 1919-21. Those that followed after are not nor ever will be patriots. They are Traitors to the Irish people. They have attacked and murdered servants of the Irish State ( Members of the Gardai and a Prison Officer) they have committed multiple crimes against the citizens of the Republic, from Kidnapping for ransom to Armed Robbery, from Drug Dealing to Extortion. No crime is beneath them even rape and paedophilia. Those that followed after the originals, Patriots!! No I don’t believe so, Thugs, Criminals, Murderers would be closer to the truth.
@Denis Patrick Gill: The patriots of 1916 would turn in their graves with vermin like those marchers and you commemorating them
@Denis Patrick Gill: whereas you only support the murder of journalists, aren’t you a saint
@Mick.: Couldn’t have put it better myself. Well said Mick!
@Denis Patrick Gill: another deluded dinosaur, time to come into the 21st century! This is 2019 not 1929. The days of running around with guns is OVER! Ffs grow up!!!
@Denis Patrick Gill: The so called IRA have murdered their fair share of born and unborn children
These are not real soldiers, and most certainly not representing the majority of Ireland. I believe in peace and dialogue The men of 1916 must be turning in there grave at the vermin that is trying to associate with them.. they can’t hold a candle to the men who fought in the 1916.
have your say