Ceann Comhairle wins confidence vote in the Dáil 

The Government has won a vote of confidence in Cean Comhairle Verona Murphy, with an Independent Cork TD saying it is now time move on from the ongoing debate over speaking time, but calling it “a sad day for politics”.

The Government brought the motion after opposition parties initially proposed a no confidence motion in Ms Murphy amid a heated row based on speaking rights and the circumstances of the formation of the coalition.

The Government motion expressing that the Dáil has confidence in the Ceann Comhairle passed by 96 votes to 71, with two abstentions.

It came after the defeat of an opposition amendment stating that the Ceann Comhairle did not have the confidence of opposition parties.

The motion came amid opposition criticism of Ms Murphy’s role in approving a vote last week, which allowed the Government to make changes to speaking time in the Dáil, which lead to chaotic scenes in the chamber.

Regrettable

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “profoundly regrettable” the vote was being held.

“We will not stay silent as you try to intimidate this house and its chairperson, and you will not succeed in opposing rule by minority," he told the opposition. 

“You will not block the democratic business of this house roaring and chanting, and then blaming everyone else for your behaviour.” 

Mr Martin said the Dáil does do not have time to waste on “cynical strategies of aggression and disruption”, adding that the country is facing “enormous threats” over US tariffs.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Ms Murphy of showing an “unprecedented and frankly breathtaking display of bias”, and claimed her position is “untenable”.

Ms Murphy became the Ceann Comhairle in December in a move seen as among the first steps of an agreement with a group of independent TDs to support the formation of a government with the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties.

Criticised

Opposition leaders have criticised the “kingmaker” role of Independent TD Michael Lowry in these government formation and negotiations.

The ongoing row over speaking time has hindered legislative work and has prevented parliamentary committees from being established.

There is some uncertainty as to whether the vote will settle the long-running dispute on opposition speaking rights, with opposition parties set to discuss with each other how they would respond after the vote.

Move on

Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central, Ken O’Flynn, told The Echo he was planning to move on.

“The vote is done, we have to accept democracy and move on. The Ceann Comhairle has been damaged by this, I am hoping she rebuilds her reputation and trust with the opposition," said Mr O'Flynn.

"But for me, I have to move on for this and do the job I was elected to do. That job is holding the government to account, getting on committees, bringing up the real issues affecting people in my constituency," he added.

Mr O'Flynn said he was disappointed the Government did not listen to the opposition.

“This could have been avoided if the government were willing to play ball and listen to people’s concerns," he said.

“I think it’s a sad say for politics when Michael Lowry wins out”.