The Daily Star Ireland
Opposition leaders have formally drafted a motion of no confidence in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, arguing that she no longer commands the trust of all members of Dáil Éireann. The move comes after heated scenes in the Dáil over controversial changes to speaking arrangements.
The motion, signed by Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Labour’s Ivana Bacik, Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats, Michael Collins, and Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit-Solidarity, is expected to be tabled on Friday and debated next week. The Government, meanwhile, has indicated it will support Murphy in any confidence vote and is preparing a counter-motion.
Murphy, who presides over parliamentary proceedings, has come under sharp criticism for what opposition parties see as bias in favour of the Government, particularly during a recent vote to allocate speaking slots to coalition-aligned Independent TDs. Despite the uproar, Murphy remains defiant and reportedly has no intention of stepping down.
Calls for Accountability Amid Rising Tensions
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the no confidence motion was prompted by what he described as a breakdown in impartiality. He and other opposition TDs accused Murphy of favouring the coalition and enabling changes to Dáil rules without proper consultation.
The rule changes in question cut the time available for debating the order of business and reduced the number of opportunities to question the Taoiseach, sparking outrage across the opposition benches. There was also frustration that the Dáil was quickly adjourned after the vote passed.
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald accused the Ceann Comhairle of bulldozing parliamentary procedure to serve the Government’s interests. Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the changes were forced through to benefit a “contrived” arrangement, undermining the integrity of the Dáil.
Meanwhile, People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger criticised what she described as a cynical use of claims of misogyny by members of a male-dominated Government. She argued that halving Taoiseach’s Questions limits democratic scrutiny and likened it to growing anti-democratic trends across Europe.
Tánaiste Simon Harris dismissed the opposition’s anger as excessive. Speaking during a visit to Lebanon, he suggested it was time for the Dáil to return to regular business, including re-establishing committees to encourage cross-party cooperation. Harris emphasised the need to focus on the real issues facing Irish citizens, saying the public expects representatives to work constructively, not engage in partisan fights.
The coming days are expected to test the stability of Dáil procedures and the role of the Ceann Comhairle, with both sides preparing for a political showdown.
