Verona Murphy's ruling ends the dispute over speaking time and allows parliamentary business to proceed. The Regional Independent TDs, led by Michael Lowry, had claimed opposition status, but the Ceann Comhairle, following legal advice, found they did not meet the criteria.
A ruling by the Ceann Comhairle , Verona Murphy , appears to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding speaking time in the Dáil , paving the way for parliamentary business to proceed this week. The Regional Independent TDs, led by Independent TD Michael Lowry , had claimed their right to sit as part of the Opposition , demanding access to prime speaking slots like Leaders’ Questions.
However, Ms Murphy, who served in the group before her election as Ceann Comhairle, stated that following advice from senior counsel, she was not convinced the TDs constituted the Opposition. Citing public pronouncements, social media activity by the TDs, and the government's programme for government, Ms Murphy emphasized that their actions did not warrant recognition as a technical group. She acknowledged their recent emails asserting case-by-case support for the government but found their previous public statements more influential. This decision, delivered late Monday evening, came on the eve of renewed talks with no clear resolution in sight. The ruling has been met with approval from various political figures. Sinn Féin TD, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, urging the government to accept the Ceann Comhairle's determination. Another TD welcomed the decision while cautioning against any attempts by the government to alter standing orders in response. Sources within Fine Gael indicated that the party welcomed the ruling, highlighting the prolonged nature of the issue. Behind the scenes, government officials had expressed increasing frustration with the situation, particularly with Mr. Lowry's stance and the need to defend the government's position. The ruling's implications for Mr. Lowry and his group's support for the government remain to be seen
Dáil Opposition Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy Michael Lowry Regional Independent Tds Standing Orders Government Irish Politics
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