Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Thursday) condemned Gerry Adams for calling into question the position of Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett.

“Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin have this evening stooped to a new low by questioning the character of Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett.

Today’s antics in the Dáil were nothing more than a stunt by Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald who was trying to distract from the debate that took place yesterday. Deputy McDonald took advantage of her position as a member of Dáil Éireann today to serve her own purpose.

When Deputy McDonald did not get her own way, she held up the Dáil for the whole day and prevented any legislation going through the house.  

The Ceann Comhairle did his job today. He controlled the time assigned to all members and when one member would not adhere to the rules of the house and when work could not continue, he had no choice but to use his powers to have Deputy McDonald removed.

Instead of using the processes that are in place to question a decision or an answer you receive Deputy McDonald dug her heels in and wasted valuable Dáil time.

The Ceann  Comhairle has chaired the Dáil fairly throughout his tenure. There has never been any question as to his impartiality. Sinn Féin’s questioning of the position of the Ceann Comhairle is unjustifiable and completely self-serving.”