The Dáil has been suspended until tomorrow after the Government rammed through a vote on new speaking arrangements.
The opposition has said Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy shredded her credibility by facilitating a stroke by the Government.
Coalition TDs voted in favour of a new speaking slot for backbench Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independent TDs.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the opposition had clashed earlier in chaotic scenes in the Dail chamber in the row over the Tipperary TD Michael Lowry’s speaking rights.
Arguements and disorder led to the first suspension of the afternoon.
On returning to the chamber Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, used her powers to skip over other business to put the speaking issue to a vote.
She was accused by the opposition of facilitating a stroke by the Government and suspended the Dáil until tomorrow.
As Government TDs filed out, the opposition took up a chant of: ”Shame, shame, shame…”
Two Independent TDs had to be held back from each other by an usher as they walked out, while Michael Lowry gave two fingers to TD Paul Murphy, as he recorded him in the chamber.
The Thurles Independent Lowry has told The Journal that he was telling Deputy Murphy to “sit down with my fingers”.
