O'Hanlon defends Ceann Comhairle role

Ceann Comhairle Dr Rory O'Hanlon yesterday issued an invitation to party leaders who had problems with his decisions in the Dáil to meet him for clarification of any issue of concern.

He made his comments in the wake of a threat last week of a motion of no confidence made by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte. Mr Rabbitte's threat followed numerous rows and sustained hostility between the two men.

Defending his role as Ceann Comhairle, Dr O'Hanlon said that "I'm entirely satisfied that I presided over proceedings in accordance with the rules of Standing Orders laid down by the members of this House and the precedents established by my illustrious predecessors since the foundation of the State".

He added: "I'm now extending an invitation to any leader of any party who may have any difficulty with my rulings to come to my office and I will be glad to clarify any issues of concern."

In an unexpected intervention during the Order of Business, Dr O'Hanlon told the Dáil that a motion of no confidence had been "mentioned", and it called for some comment on his part because not to do so would be "misconstrued".

Pointing out that the decisions of the chair included himself and the Leas or Deputy Ceann Comhairle Seamus Pattison, Dr O'Hanlon said that on election to office both of them had made a declaration that "we would execute our respective offices in an impartial and fair manner", and he was satisfied that he had done so.

"The motion of no confidence, while perhaps a significant step in its own right, is a substantive motion and procedurally is the correct way to proceed."

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny suggested that the Leas Ceann Comhairle, with 46 years' experience in the House, "takes a more pragmatic approach" towards issues affecting deputies.

To some laughter he suggested to Dr O'Hanlon, a Cavan-Monaghan TD, that "maybe coming from a little county with a more northerly climate you react more swiftly to events in the House. I think we could settle this, Ceann Comhairle, without any great difficulties."