Morgan ordered from House after two suspensions for interruptions

DÁIL BUSINESS was suspended twice yesterday in a row that delayed proceedings for almost 40 minutes as Arthur Morgan (SF, Louth) claimed the legislation to establish the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) was “legalising corruption”.

On the opening of the new Dáil term, Mr Morgan interrupted proceedings just as they started and despite repeated warnings that he was out of order, the Louth TD claimed Taoiseach Brian Cowen had consistently told lies since he was minister for finance in relation to the property bubble, and that the Government had robbed the public.

This prompted Government TDs to shout back that “you robbed them”.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was sitting in the distinguished visitors gallery, and Tom Hayes (FG, Tipperary South) shouted over “Tell him you’ll promote him” as TDs on all sides became more agitated at the delay.

After the first suspension, Mr Morgan remained seated and said he would not leave until “I get the apology from the Taoiseach that I believe the Irish people are owed”.

Brian Cowen described Mr Morgan’s interruptions as “juvenile behaviour”.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the State would have to borrow €22 billion this year. “This is about €4 million per 16-hour waking day. This 15 minutes’ suspension has cost us €1 million.”

Mr Morgan said: “People’s backs are to the wall. They are losing their jobs and their homes.”

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said there was a “time and a place for parliamentary stunts”. His party would disagree with the legislation “but attempts to disrupt this sitting, which we’ve been waiting for since July, should be ceased”.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said he wanted to make it patently clear his party strongly opposed Nama. Other Opposition TDs shouted: “We all do”. After the second 10-minute suspension, Mr Morgan eventually agreed to leave the House.

Opposition leaders refused to accept the Order of Business, but the Government won two votes and Mr Cowen said the misrepresentation of the motivation and purpose of the Bill was not “supported by the facts”.