TD ejected from Dáil over Rossport Five questions
Independent TD Jerry Cowley was ejected from the Dáil on its first day after the summer recess today when he repeatedly tried to raise the plight of the Rossport Five.
Supporters of the five Co Mayo landowners jailed for blocking work on a Shell gas pipeline near their homes staged a demo outside the Dáil today.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams had earlier met the men in Cloverhill Prison as they approached 100 days in jail.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today told the Dáil that he would consider hiring a mediator to broker agreement on the issue.
“If anything can be done constructively on a mediator, we will do it,” he said.
Dr Cowley, who has championed the case of the Rossport Five since early July, wasn’t allowed to speak during Leaders’ Questions as he isn’t a party leader.
But he persisted in raising the issue form the Independents’ benches.
Ceann Comhairle Rory O’Hanlon warned Dr Cowley several times to sit down before ordering him to leave the chamber until next week.
Dr Cowley said afterwards: “The Taoiseach is washing his hands of this affair like Pontious Pilate.
“Appointing a mediator is useless as long as the men are in prison. The Taoiseach must put pressure on Shell to collapse the court injunction.”
A major national rally will be held by supporters in Dublin on Saturday.
