The Dáil is set to vote next Tuesday on a motion of no confidence in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, as political tensions surrounding the controversial changes to speaking rights show no signs of abating.
Five opposition parties have united to table the motion, claiming that Ms Murphy no longer retains the confidence of all members of Dáil Éireann. The move follows claims that she colluded with Government parties to push through changes in Dáil speaking times—allegations the Ceann Comhairle has “categorically” denied.
In a statement, Ms Murphy said she “fully intends” to continue in her role and has “at all times followed the correct procedures of the House and the advice of impartial officials.”
The row stems from Tuesday’s chaotic scenes in the chamber, when Government parties successfully advanced a new slot for Regional Independents and backbenchers, a move the opposition views as undermining democratic balance. Opposition figures claim the Ceann Comhairle facilitated the Government’s agenda, jeopardising her impartiality.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin dismissed the criticism, saying, “There cannot be a situation where the Ceann Comhairle only stays in office if they obey the diktat of the opposition.”
Fine Gael deputy leader and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee confirmed the Government will introduce a counter-motion expressing confidence in Ms Murphy.
Opposition: “Impartiality Decimated”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, described the moment as “a terrible, terrible pity,” laying blame at the feet of what she called a “Government deal” between the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Independent TD Michael Lowry.
“It is unprecedented that there is a motion like this signed across all the opposition benches,” she said, adding that the Ceann Comhairle’s role had been “decimated on the floor of the Dáil.”
McDonald also criticised the handling of the order of business on the day, claiming that a vote was called but never taken. “The report produced does not tally with the video evidence available on the official Oireachtas website,” she said.
While she expressed confidence in the Clerk of the Dáil’s integrity, she argued that the record was “flawed” and called for full accountability.
Government: “A Politically Manufactured Issue”
Taoiseach Martin has described the row as “politically manufactured,” saying the changes being introduced are “modest” and that no time is being taken from the opposition’s allocation.
Tánaiste Simon Harris took aim at opposition criticisms, accusing them of “misleading the public” and attempting to cause “chaos” in the Dáil. “It’s not a crèche,” he remarked.
Amid the debate, some Fianna Fáil TDs reportedly voiced concern over Michael Lowry’s behaviour in the chamber, with his gesture on Tuesday described as “completely inappropriate.”
What’s Next
The Government holds a majority in the Dáil, making it likely that a confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle will pass. However, a fiery debate and several hours of disruption are expected on the floor ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
As tensions continue to rise, the controversy underscores growing friction between the Government and opposition over transparency, parliamentary procedure, and the independence of Dáil structures.
Five opposition parties have united to table the motion, claiming that Ms Murphy no longer retains the confidence of all members of Dáil Éireann. The move follows claims that she colluded with Government parties to push through changes in Dáil speaking times—allegations the Ceann Comhairle has “categorically” denied.
In a statement, Ms Murphy said she “fully intends” to continue in her role and has “at all times followed the correct procedures of the House and the advice of impartial officials.”
The row stems from Tuesday’s chaotic scenes in the chamber, when Government parties successfully advanced a new slot for Regional Independents and backbenchers, a move the opposition views as undermining democratic balance. Opposition figures claim the Ceann Comhairle facilitated the Government’s agenda, jeopardising her impartiality.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin dismissed the criticism, saying, “There cannot be a situation where the Ceann Comhairle only stays in office if they obey the diktat of the opposition.”
Fine Gael deputy leader and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee confirmed the Government will introduce a counter-motion expressing confidence in Ms Murphy.
Opposition: “Impartiality Decimated”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, described the moment as “a terrible, terrible pity,” laying blame at the feet of what she called a “Government deal” between the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Independent TD Michael Lowry.
“It is unprecedented that there is a motion like this signed across all the opposition benches,” she said, adding that the Ceann Comhairle’s role had been “decimated on the floor of the Dáil.”
McDonald also criticised the handling of the order of business on the day, claiming that a vote was called but never taken. “The report produced does not tally with the video evidence available on the official Oireachtas website,” she said.
While she expressed confidence in the Clerk of the Dáil’s integrity, she argued that the record was “flawed” and called for full accountability.
Government: “A Politically Manufactured Issue”
Taoiseach Martin has described the row as “politically manufactured,” saying the changes being introduced are “modest” and that no time is being taken from the opposition’s allocation.
Tánaiste Simon Harris took aim at opposition criticisms, accusing them of “misleading the public” and attempting to cause “chaos” in the Dáil. “It’s not a crèche,” he remarked.
Amid the debate, some Fianna Fáil TDs reportedly voiced concern over Michael Lowry’s behaviour in the chamber, with his gesture on Tuesday described as “completely inappropriate.”
What’s Next
The Government holds a majority in the Dáil, making it likely that a confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle will pass. However, a fiery debate and several hours of disruption are expected on the floor ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
As tensions continue to rise, the controversy underscores growing friction between the Government and opposition over transparency, parliamentary procedure, and the independence of Dáil structures.
