Dáil Sketch/Michael O'Regan: Sinn Féin deputies found themselves isolated yesterday as members of other parties rounded on them for praising the IRA.
The exchanges were sharp and bitter, serving as a backdrop to next week's special debate on the failed Northern peace process.
The comments on Wednesday's events provoked little response, until Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin commended "the leadership of the Irish Republican Army, which has clearly demonstrated its preparedness to take historic and unprecedented steps". The remark prompted murmurs of dissent from the Government and Opposition benches.
Labour's Joan Burton said the Dáil recognised only one army. "That must be acknowledged," said Mr Ó Caoláin. When the Fianna Fáil Minister of State Brian Lenihan said "for shame", Mr Ó Caoláin replied: "I am proud to stand in this House and so record." As the heckling continued, Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon, intervened to say Mr Ó Caoláin should be allowed speak without interruption. Mr Ó Caoláin said: "It would serve much better the goal to which, I hope, all voices in this House are committed, although at times it is difficult to recognise that commitment if utterances were measured, because this is unfinished business and a work in train that must be pursued to achieve a satisfactory result acceptable to all sides in the conflict. I urge deputies to be measured." His plea was lost as the heated exchanges continued.
The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, interjected: "It is important that we are all measured. I would not applaud anyone who killed and maimed in the name of Ireland and carried out dreadful atrocities for far too long." This remark prompted a chorus of "hear, hear" from deputies.
When Sinn Féin's Arthur Morgan asked if the Tánaiste extended the sentiment to include Britain, a visibly angry Liz O'Donnell remarked from the PD benches: "Deputy Morgan should get over it." Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh remarked that the Tánaiste had spoken of criminality. "What of the former Progressive Democrats' mayor?" he asked.
This was seen as a reference to a former PD deputy, Michael Keating, who served a term as Lord Mayor of Dublin.