Martin: Dáil walkout not about confidence in Ceann Comhairle
Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin says the issue of the cancellation of a Dáil debate on a Commission of Investigation is not about confidence in the Ceann Comhairle.
It has emerged that Alan Shatter wrote to Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett trying to prevent the Commission of Investigation from looking into his handling of alleged Garda malpractice.
A two-day debate on the establishment of an inquiry into the findings of the Guerin report was called off after the legal complaints from Alan Shatter.
Barrett’s decision not to allow debate on the motion - which he felt could lead to an encroachment on legal proceedings - led to a mass walkout of the Dáil by opposition TDs earlier this week.
Deputy Martin has criticised the decision, when asked if that meant he would vote no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, he said: "I'm not getting personal like that.
"And that's not the nature and that's not the motivation I have in relation to that at all.
"I think most people who observe how I'm performing in the Dáil, I actually do believe in the role of parliament - I think it's important, I think it's central to our democracy, and that's why I'm doing it.
"This isn't about the personality, it is about the decision though. And I'm not linking it to other decisions."
Despite the same standing orders on sub judice matters applying in the Seanad, Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power says they will be pushing for a full debate:
“There’s pretty much a 50-50 split between the Government and the Opposition in the Senate,”
“The Opposition has won a number of votes over the last few months, so the Government has to at least listen to us and engage with us that often you see missing in the other House.
“So I think we will be pushing to make sure that there is a proper debate on that issue, because it is an issue of great public concern.”
