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Clare TD Says Dáil Fiasco “Appalling” As Efforts To Elect Taoiseach Resume

One of Clare’s government TDs has described the behaviour of some deputies as appalling, after the Dáil was suspended on four occasions yesterday, preventing the election of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach.

It follows a row over members of the Regional Independents, who despite propping up the coalition are hoping to avail of speaking time from the opposition benches.

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The argument stemmed over four members of the technical group, namely Deputies Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Danny Healy-Rae, who negotiated the programme for government, but as they won’t have ministerial positions , they want opposition speaking time rights.

It looks as if a Taoiseach will be elected today though and that Micheál Martin will enter his second term in the state’s highest political office.

Fianna Fáil’s youngest TD Albert Dolan nominated his party leader.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has decided not to recognise the Regional Independents for today at least, with a view to getting the appointment over the line and a cabinet formed.

Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes the Ceann Comhairle was poorly treated but also should have exerted more authority on yesterday’s proceedings and says that ultimately the Government needs to get on with its job.

The Ceann Comhairle is seeking legal advice to determine how the group can be recognised going forward.

Outgoing Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton, says the Dáil will reconvene the Reforms Committee to resolve the issue

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