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A QUESTION OF confidence hangs over Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy this evening after chaotic scenes in the Dáil today.
A motion to create a new speaking slot for government backbenchers and independents was carried, but there was shouting and unruly scenes in the chamber as a result.
The House was suspended and ended up being adjourned by the Ceann Comhairle, with no vote being held on the Order of Business today, something that has angered the opposition.
During the back and forth between TDs and the Ceann Comhairle today, Murphy repeatedly stated that it was clear that many in the House did not respect her, as she ordered them to take their seats and be quiet.
Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy shouted at Murphy that her actions of pushing forward with a vote on changing speaking rights was doing her office a “huge disservice”.
In a statement this evening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the scenes in the Dáil marked “a new low in the behaviour of the opposition”.
“Despite listening respectfully to the questions posed by opposition deputies, my attempts to answer were constantly and systematically interrupted and shouted down.
“It was nothing less than a premeditated attempt to suppress the rights of others to speak, and to bully and intimidate the Ceann Comhairle,” he said.
Today’s events were the latest development in the speaking rights row, which has created an impasse in the parliament and has prevented the progression of legislation after four independent TDs sought to take seats in opposition after negotiating the programme for government.
The Dáil voted 94 to 74 to pass the controversial rule change which changes how speaking rights are carved up. However, the opposition have tonight contested the ratification of the vote.
The combined opposition proposal to amend the Government’s motion was never put to a vote. After the vote was held, Murphy said that one side “have, without good reason, refused to sign the teller sheet”. Therefore, the motion was carried, she said.
Putting forward a united front, opposition leaders speaking to the media on the Leinster House plinth this evening failed to voice their confidence in Murphy.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik stated it is “difficult” to maintain confidence in the Ceann Comhairle following developments in the Dáil today.
“We were particularly dismayed and disappointed to see the Ceann Comhairle moving to push through the order of business and ignoring the calls of dissent that were clearly being registered by members of the Opposition,” she said.
Bacik added: “It’s very, very difficult to see that happen, very difficult to maintain confidence in the office of somebody chairing a chamber in that way.”
Former Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Fianna Fáil’s Sean O’Fearghail, who had put his name forward for the position for another five years, but lost out to Murphy, was seen with his head in his hands during some of today’s proceedings.
Speaking to another veteran Fianna Fáiler in the chamber, TD Pat “the Cope” Gallagher, he could be seen saying: “I’ve never seen the likes of it”.
Labour’s Alan Kelly held a similar view today, stating that what happened today was “unprecedented”, calling it “undemocratic”.
“I believe it will have consequences for the government,” he said.
Kelly said it is important that the Ceann Comhairle is independent from government, adding:
“Today was coordinated. It seemed totally coordinated between the government, the Ceann Comhairle, the officials and the Chief Whip,” he said.
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald said that Murphy had done “substantial damage” to her office, stating that it had caused huge alarm among the opposition.
She accused the Ceann Comhairle of behaving in a manner that was more like a mudguard for the government rather than an impartial player.
When asked if she had confidence in the Ceann Comhairle and if a motion of no confidence was being considered, she said the opposition would have to reflect on the matter “very, very carefully”.
People Before Profit-Solidarity’s Richard Boyd Barrett has also suggested a motion of no confidence could be put forward, criticising the manner in which the Ceann Comhairle handled the issue today.
He told the media that she allowed for the vote today to be rammed through the Dáil, stating:
“I certainly would imagine there will be a discussion about whether there might be a no confidence vote in the Ceann Comhairle.”
While the Dáil resumes tomorrow morning, more disruption is predicted, with the opposition stating that the matter is not over.
McDonald said the government was the disruptor of Dáil business today, which she said affects the ability of politicians to do their work.
“Everything is still on the table… we’re not simply just going to acquiesce to all of this, you can be sure of that,” said the Sinn Féin leader.
Bacik agreed, stating that the Labour Party would be consulting with members and will meet again tomorrow morning “to see what we can do about this”.
“But it certainly will not end here,” she said.
While opposition members consider their next move, backbench Fianna Fáil TDs said there was an element of bullying of the Ceann Comhairle today.
They said the “chanting and standing” did not show respect to the Ceann Comhairle.
The Taoiseach said this evening that he believes many in opposition were focused only on undermining the newly-elected government, saying that the opposition have been “completely disproportionate” in their reaction today.
“There are many serious and profound issues to be debated and legislated for in the Dáil in the weeks ahead, such as protecting our economy and jobs, building homes and improving disability services, notwithstanding the global challenges. My government is focused on getting on with that important work,” said Martin.
Commenting after today’s proceedings a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said there was an effort to intimate the Ceann Comhairle today, stating that she dealt with very difficult circumstances before her. However, he stopped short of calling it misogynistic.
The Ceann Comhairle at one point during the chaos made reference to misogyny in the chamber today.
When asked about the matter, McDonald said: “Misogyny had nothing to do with whatsoever.”
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All this good news must have people worried, sure what are they going to moan about if things are going well?
There you go Paul. Ger found something.
Tingz wear better wen tingz was worser
Hauliers are the back bone of the country. They even deliver the economy.
Brilliant customer service, always with Irish Ferries. They go out of their way to help.
They went out of their way to get rid or their Irish staff.
Greedy Irish Staff.
The way they faced down the unions was an inspiration to us all, they stood up to the bullies and showed the rest if us the way
You must have met the ONE that can speak english
You mean polish ferrys find stena much better
Maybe its all the baled waste heading abroad for incineration. Export all our problems?
Or it could be an increase in emigration.
People shipping their stuff overseas.
Containers on ships is not always good news.
Or maybe they are transporting all the illegal cannabis grown in Co Clare to supply markets on the continent.
Thanks Enda :)
Which way is the freight going? Mainly in or out? Without that information just Journal spin! Not very accurate reporting
Does it matter, it’s keeping a Irish comapny going who have just announved lots of expanction at start of the year. Jobs are being secured in Irish and British ports.
You should really read up on how a successful economy works import export, balance of trade etc.
oh yeah. a truly great irish company. who flag out their ships under the Cypriot flag to limit the need to comply with best practices. who use an agency to employ non EU crew and and pay way below the minimum wage with minimum leave. a true shining light.
John they have the best ferries & service on the Irish sea. You may be correct about how they behave towards their staff but your argument is damaged by your misinformation.
Micheal. would you mind explaining what you .mean by my misinformation?
Your suggestion about using best practices is vague & designed to be that way to call into question the highest standards used by IF. These ferries are the best on the irish sea with the best service on that sea. Nothing comes close for service or comfort. I know i travel on all these ferries serveral times a week.
micheal…..if you travel with IF on a regular basis you might remember when a truck driver died due to a heart attack. he was attended by a nurse who was travelling on the ship. she requested the use of a defibrillator and was told that there was none on the ship. This was confirmed by an Irish Ferries spokesperson on national radio. they said it wasnt required and yet when these ships were manned by Irish and Uk crew there were defibeillators onboard and crew trained in the use of same. This Micheal is one example of what i mean by best practices. So next time you travel enjoy your comfort but for your sake dont have a heart attack!
We agree that Hauliers and Couriers are the backbone of the country (referring to the UK but we sure it’s the same for Ireland). This has been proved during the #opstack crisis caused by the nonsense at Calais recently. We really want to do more business with Irish Ferries as our freight customers always have good feedback about them. Roll on 2016.
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