Five opposition parties convened to oppose a government proposal aimed at changing speaking time arrangements to favor coalition backbenchers and Independents. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald condemned the move as "unprecedented" and detrimental to democratic processes. The opposition groups, including Labour, the Social Democrats, and others, are planning to protest the changes when the Dáil reconvenes. The issue has escalated tensions and delayed key government nominations previously, illustrating the ongoing clash over parliamentary procedures.
Mary Lou McDonald described the changes as "unprecedented" and said they would "undermine democracy". The leaders of the combined opposition criticized government attempts to force changes.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have broken their word. We will not accept it. This attempt to recognize government backbenchers and Independents for speaking time is unacceptable.
The row delayed Micheál Martin's nomination as Taoiseach in January, highlighting the ongoing tensions despite several inter-party meetings addressing the speaking time issue.
Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats, Independent Ireland, and Solidarity-People Before Profit are set to protest the government’s new speaking time proposals when the Dáil reconvenes tomorrow.
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