A Cheann Comhairle, I thank you for your efforts overnight to try to resolve this issue. We want to state for the record that we were not in any way trying to obstruct the nomination of the Taoiseach or the establishment of the Government. Our concern, and we are glad that the Government has now finally acknowledged it, is that there has to be a clear distinction between those TDs who are in government and those who are in opposition. If the Government is as good as its word and honours the commitment now made, that there will be a resolution that is mutually acceptable to the Government and the Opposition, then that matter can be put to bed.

Sentiment score: 0.57

However, we continue our opposition to the decision to suspend the Dáil for another two weeks. There are too many pressing issues for people in this country and we will be opposing the Order of Business on that specific basis.

Sentiment score: -0.16