Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I did not feel it was uncalled for given the fact that I am being constantly interrupted every time I get up to speak by his deputy leader. It is a constant feature of Leaders' Questions, where there seems to be a facility for two of Deputy Gilmore's party members to speak whereas there is only one of ourselves. It is a fair point to make, that Deputy Burton is constantly - it is not an intermittent matter - speaking, either over or during what I have to say. I do not accord that disrespect or discourtesy to Deputy Gilmore or to any other leader in the House. I listen attentively to everything that is being said but when I speak it seems everyone has licence to say what he or she wishes.

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