We’d back SF over no conf idence vote in the Ceann Comhairle, say FF TDS
FIANNA Fáil TDs unhappy over the conduct of Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett in the wake of last week’s chaotic scenes in the Dáil have said they would support a Sinn Féin motion of no confidence.
The Irish Mail on Sunday was told that many in the main opposition party believe that the veteran Fine Gael politician has lost control of the Dáil.
Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald staged a sit-in in the Dáil chamber last week after Mr Barrett refused her permission to continue questioning Tánaiste Joan Burton about Irish Water at Leaders’ Questions.
There was confusion in Leinster House as Mr Barrett left his seat after a short discussion, and it wasn’t clear to ministers, TDs, civil servants or journalists what was to be done.
After three hours, during which Ms McDonald remained in her seat with members of the press gallery looking on, Mr Barrett returned to the Dáil and adjourned it until Tuesday. Ms McDonald remains suspended until Wednesday.
Mr Barrett also cancelled Dáil business a few weeks ago after a row with the Technical Group.
Eamon Ó Cuív confirmed that Fianna Fáil TDs held informal discussions about their discontent with the Ceann Comhairle. He stressed that he was not seeking to support Sinn Féin.
‘What was discussed was disquiet about the Ceann Comhairle and what Fianna Fáil might do about that,’ said Mr Ó Cuív.
‘The discussion was about the Ceann Comhairle and our perception that the Ceann Comhairle, is just… I mean that was the second time in three weeks that the Dáil didn’t finish its day,’ he said.
‘I don’t think there are too many on the opposition side of the Dáil who think it is run in a way that is conducive to getting our business done.
‘As I said, I’m a long-time member of the Dáil and I’ve never seen it twice happen. I’ve seen rows and in the last months of previous governments there was incredible tensions but I never saw a Ceann Comhairle for two half days.
‘In other words we always resumed after we adjourned.’
Another long-serving Fianna Fáil TD, John McGuinness, also confirmed that there were discussions on tabling complaints about Mr Barrett in the wake of Ms McDonald’s actions.
‘We did discuss the issue with Sinn Féin and the Ceann Comhairle and it was felt that we should be a little bit supportive. From my point of view I feel that she was absolutely correct, and the questions that she was asked was a legitimate question and the Tánaiste refused to answer it.
‘And it’s the same whether you’re dealing with committees or whether you’re dealing with the Oireachtas, the Dáil chamber itself, nobody seems to want to answer a question. And the Ceann Comhairle doesn’t seem to want to ensure that questions are answered.
‘And the opposition have no alternative now but to battle it out with the Ceann Comhairle and the Government. And that’s my strong view on it.
‘He showed disrespect for members of the opposition by him walking out, and not dealing with the issue and not telling us what time he was coming back.’
Mr McGuinness believes that he would support a motion of no confidence.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is said to be considering tabling such a motion.
‘If there’s a vote of no confidence tabled against the Ceann Comhairle in order to get a debate around the issue of parliamentary representation and debate then so be it,’ said Mr McGuinness.
‘He has to be challenged, for he was wrong in terms of what he did on Thursday.
‘It was unacceptable, we need a fairer line so that opposition deputies and leaders can get the questions that they pose answered fully and frankly so that the people that they represent will know the direction the Government is taking.
‘I’ve never seen it done that way, where there is a battle every day just to get some time on the floor of the house.’