Row over Dail speaking time set for vote next week, as Mary Lou McDonald vows to 'face Government down'

A vote on amendments to standing orders in the Dáil is scheduled, aiming to recognize 'other members' including government backbenchers and independent TDs supporting the Government. Opposition parties have condemned this vote, expressing their discontent at the absence of discussion prior to it, which they deem as disgraceful. They proposed a 'Government-aligned technical group' for better transparency in allocation procedures. This initiative highlights the opposition's perception of certain TDs as part of the Government rather than the opposition and seeks an amendment for fairer treatment in speaking time and positions.

Mary Lou McDonald emphasized collective opposition efforts at Stormont, indicating that their proposed amendment aims to challenge the government concerning the recognition of certain members in the Dáil.

Opposition parties criticized the government's decision to hold a vote on standing orders without a debate, branding the behavior as "utterly disgraceful" and a significant low point in parliamentary conduct.

Read at Irish Independent