Leas-Cheann Comhairle rejects TD’s claims of discrimination over speaking time in Dáil

Leas-Cheann Comhairle Catherine Connolly has rejected claims by former Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry that she had discriminated against him while chairing sessions in the Dáil.

Ms Connolly made a brief statement to the House on Wednesday about her role as deputy speaker and described Mr MacSharry’s accusation against her as an “unjustifiable and unfair attack” when he claimed she discriminated against Independent TDs on speaking time.

The Dáil was suspended briefly on Wednesday last week after Mr MacSharry complained that as an Independent he was lucky if he got 30 seconds of speaking time every two weeks.

The Sligo TD formally resigned earlier this month from Fianna Fáil, and sits as an Independent following a row over the handling of a bullying complaint against him when he had been due to rejoin the parliamentary party.

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Last week he told Ms Connolly in the Dáil that “you have consistently put me into the last three speakers where I am lucky to get 30 seconds, while others enjoy the benefit of celebrating the local sausage manufacturers and the prizes they win for a minute and 10 seconds”.

When Ms Connolly asked him to resume his seat and said that he was out of order, he refused and said: “I haven’t the slightest intention of doing so unless you show a little bit less discrimination and positively discriminate against people who are actually Independent, rather than those like yourself who join and form de facto parties and get to speak three or four times a day.”

In the Dáil on Wednesday, just before chairing Leaders’ Questions, Ms Connolly told the House: “I wish to confirm for the information of members that I have written to Deputy Marc MacSharry in relation to his unjustifiable and unfair attack on the integrity of the Chair at the end of questions on promised legislation last Wednesday.

“On that day, Deputy MacSharry alleged that I was discriminatory in my treatment, not only of himself, but also other members. I am particularly conscious that on the day I was elected, I declared solemnly that I would be fair and just.

“When I ruled that Deputy MacSharry was out of order and that he should resume his seat, Deputy MacSharry refused to do so, thereby forcing me to suspend the sitting.

“I must remind members that it is disorderly for a deputy to refuse to comply with a ruling of the chair.

“Also, the integrity of the chair is impugned by any inference that the chair is not fair and impartial in the treatment of members.

“Accordingly, for the information of members, correspondence has been sent to Deputy MacSharry to this effect.”