Ceann Comhairle decides not to censure Rabbitte
The Ceann Comhairle Rory O’Hanlon has decided not to take any action against Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte in connection with his angry outburst in the Dáil yesterday.
Mr Rabbitte had accused Dr O’Hanlon of partisanship and of repeatedly interfering with Dáil questions to protect the Government.
In a statement to the chamber this morning, the Ceann Comhairle said the comments were an unprecedented, unprovoked and unacceptable attack that would not be tolerated in any parliament.
However, he said he would take no action against Mr Rabbitte, but warned him that any further outbursts would be punished.
Mr Rabbitte made his comments after Dr O’Hanlon blocked his attempt to raise the issue of garda station closures during leader’s questions yesterday morning.
The Ceann Comhairle asked him to withdraw the remarks, but the Labour leader continued his tirade and accused Dr O’Hanlon of being “congenitally incapable of being fair”.
The Dáil was suspended temporarily because of the row and Mr Rabbitte walked out of the chamber when proceedings eventually resumed.
He was unrepentant afterwards and said he would not retract his comments.
He also refused to meet Dr O’Hanlon in his office yesterday afternoon to resolve the matter.
