FROM THE ARCHIVES:Dáil Éireann was tense as it debated new public safety legislation two weeks after the assassination of its minister for justice and external affairs, Kevin O'Higgins, leading to this outbreak of mutual abuse between the Cumann na nGaedheal government and the Labour Party opposition (Fianna Fáil members did not take their seats until two weeks later). – JOE JOYCE
MR. FITZGERALD Kenny, K.C., one of the new members of Cumann na nGaedheal, defended the bill at some length. is a good speaker, inclined, perhaps, to the style of an evangelistic preacher, but logical, forceful, and to the point. He was followed by Mr. Gilbert Lynch, of the Labour Party . . . who is addicted even more strongly than Mr. Fitzgerald Kenny to the revivalist manner. Mr. Lynch is a provocative debater, and it was his speech that gave the signal for the “scene.”
It came about in this wise. Some of his remarks evidently had annoyed the Government spokesmen, and when Professor O’Sullivan rose to reply we knew that the Labour Party was in for a trouncing. But nobody expected what was to come. The word “murder” was used. There was a heated exchange between the Professor and Mr. Lynch, and then the storm broke.
“You are trying to make political capital out of the late Minister’s murder.” In an instant half the Labour Party was on its feet. “Withdraw. That’s a lie,” boomed Mr. Morrissey. “Withdraw. Withdraw.”
Now they were all shouting, but Professor O’Sullivan remained unperturbed.
President Cosgrave leapt to his feet and shouted: “I ask the Minister not to withdraw.”
Mr. Thomas Johnson , who up to this point had taken no part in the affair, politely invited the Minister to withdraw his offensive remark.
For a few moments there was silence while Professor O’Sullivan tried to explain his attitude. He repeated his charge, this time in less accentuated terms, but definitely refused to withdraw what he had said. One heard the words, “Felon-setting,” “Liar,” “Blood-lust,” and similar amenities of parliamentary debate being hurled backwards and forwards between the parties. Mr. Johnson sprang to his feet . . . with the obvious intention of leaving the House. This enraged the President. “That’s right,” he shouted. “That’s right. Wash your hands of it now. Wash your hands of it now!” At this stage everybody was speaking at once. Mr. Johnson, for the first time on record lost his head and his temper. “Liar! Liar! Liar!” He said it twice, he said it thrice, shaking his attaché case at President Cosgrave, who kept on provokingly “Wash your hands of it all! Wash your hands of it all!” But the palm went to Mr. Everett. This enthusiastic young man from Wicklow, words having failed him, began to whistle shrilly, with his fingers in his mouth, the opening bars of The Girl I Left Behind Me.
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