One of Clare’s newest TDs claims the outgoing coalition parties are wasting the public’s time by prolonging Government formation.
The 174 TDs of the 34th Dáil took their seats in Leinster House for the very first time yesterday, but so far only one position with bragging rights has been filled.
The formation of the new government is looking increasingly likely to be Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the nine Regional Independents, following the election of Deputy Verona Murphy as the first ever female Ceann Comhairle.
Just one more order of business was decided on the day, with members voting by a margin of 88 to 71 to suspend the Dáil until January 22nd.
This met some opposition, namely from Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and some Independents who felt some urgent issues couldn’t wait.
While a vote for Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to become the first female Taoiseach was resoundingly defeated by 110 votes to 44.
Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan insists this motion was not a waste of time and that on the contrary, the outgoing coalition parties are delaying the formation of a government.
Clare’s other Debutant TD believes much of yesterday’s events were a waste of time but believes the aim should be to have a government and cabinet established when the Dáil returns next month.
Another point of contention this week has been the position of Ceann Comhairle, with Aontú Leader Peadar Toibín slamming the €250K salary for the role and the lack of term limits, before also calling for a reduction in wages for TDs.
Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney has described the Ceann Comhairle’s earnings as “unbelievable” but believes the rate for TDs is justified.
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