The Dáil witnessed a once-in-a-century failure to nominate a Taoiseach on Wednesday amid chaotic scenes at Leinster House
The path appears to have been cleared for Micheál Martin to become Taoiseach today as Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has ruled that the Regional Independent Technical Group will not be recognised during today's proceedings.
Following three prior suspensions due to heckling, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy adjourned the Dáil for the day shortly after 4pm, resulting in a once-in-a-century failure to nominate a Taoiseach. The email continued: "As of yesterday, she received one submission on the issue of the Regional Independent Group. Overnight she considered the submission and advice that she received. She reviewed and discussed the submission with her staff. She considered that there was a significant ambiguity in the wording of the Standing Order 170, paragraphs and . She will seek senior counsel advice on this matter before coming to an impartial final decision.
It will also depend on the outcome of a meeting that started at 8.30am on Thursday morning in Government Buildings between Mr Harris, Mr Martin and the leaders of the opposition parties. This includes Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour’s Ivana Bacik, Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats, Michael Collins of Independent Ireland and People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd-Barrett.
One opposition source said that the goal is to “agree a formulation of words” that will see Michael Lowry classified as a government TD. It is understood that the opposition now feels that the ball is in Mr Martin and Mr Harris’ court.
Simon Harris Mary Lou Mcdonald
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