The appointment of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach was hindered by a day due to disruptions from Opposition parties concerning a dispute over speaking time. Ceann Comhairle Ms. Murphy declared that the Regional Technical Group, led by Independent TD Michael Lowry, did not meet the criteria for opposition status. She specified that certain members did not qualify as 'members in Opposition' necessary for recognition. This ruling has significant implications for how parties can negotiate their speaking rights in the Dáil.
"I am not satisfied that Deputies Lowry, [Gillian] Toole, [Barry] Heneghan and Danny Healy-Rae are members 'in Opposition' as required by Standing Order 170."
"The public statements made by Deputy Michael Lowry on behalf of the Regional Technical Group and those of Deputy Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae are extremely difficult to reconcile with a reasonable interpretation in plain English of the term 'in Opposition'."
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