The article discusses the ongoing chaos in the Dáil, where parliamentary members are behaving unprofessionally, resulting in a deadlock over speaking rights. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy criticized the disruptive behavior, calling it childish and highlighting its impact on the house's operations. The Coalition is attempting to create new speaking arrangements for Regional Independent Group TDs, but this has met with strong opposition from leaders who threaten to obstruct parliamentary progress until the issue is resolved. Despite calls for respect and order, the discord persists, illustrating a rift in legislative decorum and functionality.
Hoping to bring members to their senses, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy had said the dispute was having a significant impact on the functioning of the house. The opposition had gone so far as to threaten to block the formation of parliamentary committees in the Oireachtas unless the long-standing row was resolved. At one point, Ms Murphy even found herself admonishing no less than Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Ms Murphy was also forced to issue a wider appeal to members to have more respect for the rights of others to speak. "What we seem to have this morning is a playground, so I'd ask everybody to conform and have respect for the members whose time you're taking up."
The louder the din, the more confirmed people will become in their view. Whatever sympathy we might have for the tantrums of infants, there is none at all for TDs behaving in such a juvenile manner, especially not at the public expense and as the business of the Dáil is deadlocked.
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