'Venom and spite,' Michael Lowry's defiant statement after confidence vote in Verona Murphy

Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry has issued a defiant statement after the Government won a vote of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy on Tuesday night. 

The Government brought the motion after opposition parties initially proposed a no confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle amid a heated row based on speaking rights and the circumstances of the formation of the coalition.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Deputy Lowry said: "Today's proceedings in the Dáil marked a significant victory for democracy.

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"The past three months have been crippled with venom and spite from the opposition parties. Their actions have been both juvenile and despicable.

"It has been a very difficult time for the Regional Independent Group, simply because we had the courage to step up to form a strong and stable Government.

"In the blinkered eyes of the Opposition, that was our sin.

"Today, the Opposition took a trouncing. Their actions were condemned for what they are – orchestrated obstruction.

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"Ultimately, all they succeeded in doing is strengthening the position of the Ceann Comhairle.

"With 96 votes in her favour, Verona Murphy’s credibility is not only secured, it has been endorsed.

"The Regional Group has secured its justified Speaking Rights – we are fully recognised.

"Government must now be permitted to get on with their work in the face of the unprecedented challenges that lie ahead for Ireland and Europe.

"Democracy has prevailed."

The Government motion expressing that the Dáil has confidence in the Ceann Comhairle passed by 96 votes to 71, with two abstentions.

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It came after the defeat of an opposition amendment stating that the Ceann Comhairle did not have the confidence of opposition parties.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Murphy said she bears no “ill will” towards the opposition.

In a statement to the Dáil, she said: “I wish to assure all members on all sides of this House, I bear no ill will and my door is always open.

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“I will continue to uphold my solemn declaration to vindicate the rights of all members and administer the rules chosen by members of this House, impartially and fairly, alongside the independent, loyal and hardworking staff of my office and this House without fear or favour.”

The motion came amid opposition criticism of Ms Murphy’s role in approving a vote last week which allowed the Government to make changes to speaking time in the lower house of the parliament, the Dáil.

There were chaotic scenes in the chamber last week over the rule changes which resulted in the suspension of the House and prompted the main opposition parties to express a lack of confidence in Ms Murphy.

Prior to Tuesday’s vote, Taoiseach Micheál Martin accused opposition parties of engaging in “cynical strategies of aggression and disruption”.

Mr Martin, the Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, said it was “profoundly regrettable” the vote was being held, adding there was no justification for the motion.

Mr Martin told the opposition on Tuesday afternoon: “We will not stay silent as you try to intimidate this house and its chairperson, and you will not succeed in opposing rule by minority.

“You will not block the democratic business of this house roaring and chanting, and then blaming everyone else for your behaviour.”

Mr Martin said the Dail does do not have time to waste on “cynical strategies of aggression and disruption”, adding that the country is facing “enormous threats” over US tariffs.

He accused accused opposition parties of breaking “every single rule” of the Dail and claimed parties had “manufactured” a claim that Ms Murphy had behaved inappropriately.

The main opposition parties tabled an unprecedented motion of no confidence in Ms Murphy after Government proposals for rule changes sparked a bitter row.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Ms Murphy of showing an “unprecedented and frankly breathtaking display of bias”.

She claimed her position is “untenable”.

Ms McDonald said the Ceann Comhairle made three decisions exposing bias last week; failing to hold a vote on Dail business when one was called; cancelling questions on promised legislation; and failing to put the Government motion to a vote.

The latter allegation is part of Sinn Fein’s contention that the Dail actually voted on the opposition amendment to the motion and thus the rules on speaking rights have not actually been changed.

She said there had been “shameless co-ordination and co-operation between the Ceann Comhairle and the Government”.

“The actions of the Ceann Comhairle have been neither impartial nor independent, quite the opposite.”