Barrett withdraws comments that parties trying to undermine him

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has withdrawn his comments that the Opposition was attempting to undermine him.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Mr Barrett said the Committee on Procedure and Privileges (CPP) would consider if the standing order, under which he ruled out a debate on a motion setting up a commission of inquiry into alleged Garda malpractice in Cavan-Monaghan, required greater clarity.

He accepted, he said, that the standing order’s wording could be interpreted in different ways.

Mr Barrett also said he did not come under any pressure on reaching a decision not to allow the debate in the Dáil, instead letting the issue through on a vote.

“I wish to assure the house that at no time did I come under any pressure from anybody at arriving at my decision,” he said in a statement to the House.

“I fully respect that those who took the opposite view to mine were perfectly entitled to do so,” he added.

“I also accept that the wording of standing order 57 could be interpreted in different ways and for that reason I intend asking my colleagues on the Committee on Procedures and Privileges to meet with me to examine the possibility of making changes to ensure greater clarity in the wording of the order.

“Finally I refer to the radio interview of Friday last in the final part of which I was asked if I felt that the Opposition were out to undermine me, I quote. In the heat of the moment I replied ‘of course they are’.

However on reflection I accept that this is not the case and I am happy to withdraw the comments I made on the programme.”

The Irish Times reported last week that former minister for justice Alan Shatter asked Mr Barrett to rule out his handling of claims made by whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe from an inquiry into allegations of Garda malpractice.

Mr Shatter argued that the inclusion of references to his handling of Sgt McCabe’s claims would interfere with or prejudice a High Court action he is taking.

Responding to Mr Barrett's statement, Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin said he appreciated the Ceann Comhairle's statement and the sincerity and honour behind it.

“I fully accept the fact you have withdrawn those remarks you said in the heat of the moment,’’ he added.

He welcomed the fact that the “profound’’ implications of the ruling would be debated in a proper forum.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams welcome Mr Barrett’s statement, adding the Government Ministers who defended the Ceann Comhairle’s remarks should withdraw what they said.

Earlier, Mr Martin asked his TDs and senators to leave the row with the Ceann Comhairle entirely to him. The party had been considering tabling a motion of no confidence after Mr Barrett his radio interview.

At a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, sources said Mr Martin asked his deputies and senators for the “tolerance” of his party to leave the issue with him given the importance of Mr Barrett’s office.

Earier in the day, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin warned the Opposition should not seek to "humiliate" Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Howlin said chairing the Dáil was a “stressful” job.

“I hope there will be a situation today where the very hard work and I think the really good job being done is recognised,” Mr Howlin said.

“There should be no seeking to humiliate the office of the Ceann Comhairle. It’s far too important a job for our democracy.”

Asked if he thought the Opposition were seeking to humiliate Mr Barrett, he said: “I think it’s inexorably moving in a direction so I think now people need to reflect on their positions.”

Mr Howlin said the focus in Leinster House should be on the job of doing "the people's business".

He said the job of Ceann Comhairle was a difficult one.