A dispute has arisen in the Dáil (Irish Parliament) over speaking time during the nomination of a Taoiseach (Prime Minister). Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald alleges she is being prevented from speaking after her nomination due to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government plans. Meanwhile, opposition parties are challenging the right of regional Independent TDs who participated in government negotiations to use opposition speaking time.
The speaking time row in the Dáil has escalated as Mary Lou McDonald claims she is being “silenced” by Micheál Martin and Simon Harris.
At the Dáil Business Committee on Tuesday TDs were told that any party that was not nominating a Taoiseach would receive a speaking slot for their leader to respond to nominations. As Sinn Féin plans to nominate Ms McDonald, she will not have an opportunity to speak on Wednesday morning. She continued: “They need to know I won’t be silenced and we won’t be silenced. We are not going to stand for this latest stroke from a government that is showing its true colours even before it comes to office.”
In a joint letter to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy from Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats and other smaller parties and independents, the group used comments from Mr Heneghan during an Ireland AM interview stating that he had a ‘voice in Government’ and ‘influence over Government policy’ to argue against the proposal.
DÁIL TAOISEACH SINN FÉIN MARY LOU Mcdonald OPPOSITION
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Government-Supporting Independents to Speak from Dáil Opposition Benches during Election of TaoiseachA row over Dáil speaking time threatens to overshadow Micheál Martin's expected election as taoiseach for a second time. A joint submission from all the Opposition parties and Independent TDs has argued there is no precedent for the decision by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to recognise an “opposition” technical group which includes four members who support the new Government. The move by the four Independent TDs has sparked a backlash from Opposition parties, who do not want to share speaking time with them as they took part in government formation talks and are expected to vote with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Read more »
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael face further criticism over Michael Lowry talksSinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said tribunal findings were ‘very clear’
Read more »
Sinn Fein Leader Warns Against 'Fatalist Instincts' Regarding Trump PresidencySinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has cautioned against any pessimistic predictions regarding the economic impact of the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. While acknowledging the need for Ireland to be aware of potential economic challenges, McDonald emphasized the importance of thoughtful and diplomatic engagement between Dublin and Washington.
Read more »
Sinn Fein Leader Warns Against 'Fatalist Instincts' in Response to Trump PresidencyMary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein, cautions against economic pessimism regarding the new US administration while emphasizing the need for thoughtful diplomacy and a strong partnership between Ireland and the United States. She acknowledges potential economic challenges but stresses the importance of resisting fatalistic tendencies and fostering open dialogue.
Read more »
Sinn Fein Leader Criticizes Martin's Government Formation TalksMary Lou McDonald accuses Tanaiste Micheal Martin of hypocrisy for engaging in government talks with Michael Lowry while refusing to speak with Sinn Fein despite its position as the second-largest party in the Dáil.
Read more »
Sinn Féin Leader Backs Gerry Adams' Denial of IRA MembershipMary Lou McDonald expresses belief in Gerry Adams' claim of never being an IRA member. The statement comes amidst a civil case against Adams brought by bomb victims, seeking to hold him accountable for decisions made by the Provos.
Read more »