PLANS BY the Fine Gael-Labour government in 1983 to change the method of appointing members to An Bord Pleanála sent Fianna Fáil into a tizzy, leading its members to walk out of the Dáil, ostensibly over procedural matters of agreeing the time for the debate on the Bill. According to its critics, however, the real reason was the proposed change in the law, giving the government of the day less say in appointments to the board. They also suspected that Fianna Fáil did not want the Bill passed before the summer recess for some nefarious reason. The Dáil Sketch caught the flavour of proceedings:
“You won’t get away with this,” roared Charlie Haughey and Bobby Molloy in curious harmony. Michael J Noonan (FF) pounded his large fist on the desk. “Dictatorship! Dictatorship!” bellowed Ger Connolly (FF).
“. . . the general physical planning system which it established has in large measure stood the test of time. . .” said Dick Spring (tánaiste and minister for the environment), trundling remorselessly through his script.
Bertie Ahern (FF whip) had said in a small almost embarrassed voice that he was rising for the first time to say there was no agreement between the whips about anything on the Order of Business. Seán Barrett (government chief whip) listened with an enigmatic smile as Bertie explained that negotiations had broken down at 6.30 on Thursday, and that he suspected that really the government whip was in agreement with him, “but the carpet was swept from under him – I don’t know why and I don’t think he does either.”
Seán Barrett said soothingly that they could have lots of time for the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1982 – all day Tuesday, all day today, all day tomorrow, even Friday maybe, if they asked nicely.
Charles J Haughey said that the agreement to take the second stage of the Bill said that it would be “by agreement between the whips.” So if there was no agreement between the whips, then it couldn’t be taken right? Wrong, said Tom Fitzpatrick (Ceann Comhairle).
Well, then it could only be taken by Dick Spring first moving to rescind the previous decision of the Dáil and then moving the second stage, suggested Charles J. Right? Wrong, said Tom Fitzpatrick, and Dick Spring, unheard in the uproar by anyone even on his own side, set off at a steady clomp through his script.
“This is going to be a long day – you might as well make up your minds to that!” warned Charles J.
“. . . the planning appeals system has often been a contentious one. Originally, under the 1963 Act, appeals were made . . .” went on Dick Spring.
Charles J stood up in his standing and led the retreat. “Scrap your standing orders!” roared Pat “the Cope” Gallagher. Eh . . . could he raise Cavan hospital on the adjournment, asked John Wilson (FF) as he followed the leader out of the Dáil chamber.
Mary Harney and Séamus Brennan, George Colley kneeling beside him on the steps, (anti-Haughey members of FF) stayed put. They looked up, saw their deserted benches, and followed the Leader. “Aha!” rose a Fine Gael murmur.
The trouble about saying sucks, you won’t play, and stamping out, is that you find yourself outside and then you can’t play. So when Dick Spring finished up, back they all came.
“If I may resort to the vernacular,” said Charles J. “Begob, I intend to keep on raising the disorderly conduct of the government here today.
“In an orderly way,” pleaded John Ryan (Leas-Cheann Comhairle). “I will comply with your ruling, because you’re a very fine gentleman,” said gracious Charles J. And an uneasy order did break out.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1983/0629/Pg007.html#Ar00702