Soc Dems urge Government to 'cut all ties' with Michael Lowry amid speaking time row

Eva Osborne

The deputy leader of the Social Democrats is urging the Government to "cut all ties" with Michael Lowry following a row over speaking time.

Lowry is seeking speaking time among opposition groups for the Regional Independent Group, despite supporting the Government.

The chaos in the Dáil last week saw Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy suspend proceedings for a day, delaying Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach.

The Government has been accused of trying to hijack Dáil speaking time, and a meeting of the Dáil reform committee aimed at resolving last week's row found no solution on Monday.

Cian O'Callaghan said the Government should cut its ties with Michael Lowry:

"I very much hope there isn't any repeat of what happened last week and I hope this is resolved. I really think the ball is in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's court to resolve it," he said.

"They've given a commitment that they will get an agreement, one that's satisfactory for both government and opposition.

"I think it's looking increasingly likely that Michael Lowry will not agree to that, so the only course of action for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would be to cut all ties with him."