The Dáil has reached unprecedented political turmoil as it failed to elect a government, a situation not seen in over a century. Central to this crisis is the controversial speaking time granted to government-supporting TDs who joined a technical group. Tensions erupted in the chamber, leading to multiple suspensions as opposition parties protested. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy faced pressure to provide clarity on her ruling regarding this matter, while discussions among party whips attempted to navigate the ongoing discord. The political landscape remains chaotic as these events unfolded.
At the heart of the controversy is the issue surrounding government-supporting TDs, Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Danny Healy-Rae, joining a technical group and being granted opposition speaking time as a result.
By 11.30, the Dáil was suspended after non-government parties angrily protested their opposition to the Independent TDs' speaking time.
It became tense and loud in the chamber, with Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy telling Ms Murphy that this was 'a test of you, Ceann Comhairle, and you are failing.'
The Government chief whip, Hildegarde Naughton, proposed that the party whips meet for 30 minutes to seek a resolution, after which the whips would consult with their parties.
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