Hear, hear.
Sentiment score: 0.00
They are not in our parliamentary party.
Sentiment score: 0.40
At some point, the truth about the past number of weeks in this House will be written and it will show that from January onwards it became increasingly likely that a number of Independent TDs might support a coalition government. What many of us did not realise was that our own Standing Orders made no provision for such a grouping. In fact, they were entirely silent on the rights of TDs or parties that support the Executive. This should not have been a problem for the Government or the affected Independents alone; it was a challenge for us as an Oireachtas to resolve because in politics you often find yourself on the other side of the argument. However, instead of addressing the problem, the Opposition chose pantomime. It knew full well that there was no other mechanism for the technical group to be recognised, yet it shouted and screamed the slogan, "You can’t be in government and opposition". It was a slogan, not a solution, and it quickly became untrue. The Chair ruled clearly that the group of six Independents do not qualify as opposition under Standing Order 170. The Government accepted that ruling and proposed new arrangements for Government time. We engaged in more than 20 hours of discussion, including full mediation but instead of seriously engaging, the Opposition spent more time on the plinth than around the table.
Sentiment score: 0.12
What we cannot allow is the tearing down of this House by the Opposition. Twice now, it has tried to prevent the House from taking a vote. That is not the act of any democrat. Our Constitution protects our right to cast a vote here in this Chamber. Our Standing Orders exist to protect the function of the Chamber and the Ceann Comhairle carries the heavy burden of enforcing them. Let the record show that Deputy after Deputy stood, shouted and screamed, not to be heard but to intimidate. It was a co-ordinated attempt to shut down the democratic process. It would not be allowed in any residents’ association or GAA club around the country, and now, as at a drunken stag party, they cry foul because they did not hear the call for last orders. Well, last orders were called. It is time to put these tactics behind us and get on with people's work.
Sentiment score: -0.02
That is not what we are saying.
Sentiment score: 0.00
Leader's Questions.
Sentiment score: 0.00