Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

While it is all very well for Deputy Stagg to endeavour to impose himself again and be whatever he wants to be, there is an important point of principle at stake. The Taoiseach may ignore it or put the matter to a vote if he wishes, but I respectfully ask him, in the spirit of our agreed co-operation, to withdraw the motion and approach this issue correctly. Although the matter was raised at the Whips' meeting, the Government Whip stated he would revert to the matter at the subsequent meeting of the Whips. It was not agreed by the Whips by any means. It was raised at the end of the meeting in a sort of a sleeveen way rather than in an up-front manner.

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