Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy survives confidence motion
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has survived a confidence motion by 96 votes to 71. However, the opposition still insisted that it had no confidence in the Wexford woman chairing proceedings as they warned that Ms Murphy must now "build bridges". The opposition laid down a motion of no confidence in Ms Murphy last week following the chaotic scenes in the Dáil over the speaking row. Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Independent Ireland all argued that they thought the Ceann Comhairle had colluded with the Government to force through votes on the Order of Business and the Government proposal to create a new speaking slot called "Other Member's Question". This slot will allow independent TDs who were involved in the Government formation negotiations, including Michael Lowry, as well as Government backbenchers. The Government tabled its own motion of confidence in Ms Murphy, which was debated instead of the no-confidence motion. Ms Murphy survived the vote by 96 votes to 71. There were two abstentions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was "profoundly regrettable" that the Dáil was debating a motion of confidence in Ms Murphy. During his speech, the Fianna Fáil leader criticised how the opposition had handled the speaking row and the subsequent drama in the Dáil. He argued that as tariffs approached, the parliament did "not have time to waste on cynical strategies of aggression and disruption". Mr Martin said: "The opposition decided it would seek the Ceann Comháirle's head having broken literally every single rule of this House, having shouted down business, having started to chant and abuse others, having refused to even allow the democratically elected chairperson of this House to be heard, they are now claiming that it is she who should be censured. "The arsonists are demanding that we censure the fire brigade." Tánaiste Simon Harris said that the confidence motion was being debated "on the precipice of a moment of extraordinary economic turbulence". He said: "We can't control what President Trump does. But we can control what we control and we can use our influence to put forward Ireland's interests, along with other Member States. "That's the work we need to do together. Every single one of us, all 174 of us [TDs] were elected by the people to do a job and it's high time we got on with that job". Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan said the opposition was "roaring and shouting" at Ms Murphy "in a scene that was resemblance [sic] of something that came out of Harcourt Street at three or four o'clock in the morning". He added: "Fair play to you, lads. She was right – You were an absolute, total and utter disgrace." Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Ms Murphy's position as Ceann Comhairle was "untenable" and "surviving a vote on this motion will not change that fact". Ms McDonald took aim at how Ms Murphy was appointed to the position and Michael Lowry's role. She continued: "In her acceptance piece, Teachta Murphy openly acknowledged Michael Lowry's efforts, identifying him as the person who first approached her to seek the office of Ceann Comhairle. "Despite deep, deep reservations, she was given a fair wind when she assumed that office. But last Tuesday, our worst fears were realised – She became the government's Ceann Comhairle. "Michael Lowry gives two fingers to the Irish people. We will not accept the Ceann Comhairle doing the same." Sinn Féin has also contested that the new speaking proposals have been adopted, arguing that Ms Murphy called a vote on the opposition amendment rather than the Government's plan. Carol Nolan, a member of the Regional Independent Group, slated the opposition and said that the behaviour towards Ms Murphy "has been nothing short of an advertisement for Irish women to stay away from political life". Speaking after she won the vote, Ms Murphy said that it was "regrettable" that an agreed solution to the speaking row could not be found. She vowed to "administer the rules chosen by members of this house, impartially and fairly alongside the independent, loyal and hardworking staff of my office and this house without fear or favour". Speaking on the plinth in Leinster House on Tuesday morning, the Labour Party accepted that Ms Murphy would survive the confidence motion but its TD Ged Nash argued that Ms Murphy would need to "build bridges". Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
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