David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will oppose both nominations for Taoiseach that have been put forward today. I did not interrupt anybody. I sat here and listened to all the contributions from people who proposed both candidates. Although the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Members talk about Dáil reform, when people take to their feet they heckle and shout. This does not seem much like Dáil reform. I am entitled to be treated with respect and have my say. I will have my say, please, uninterrupted and without being heckled by people from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. While they may not like what I have to say, I have the right to say it. I have not even started, and both parties are already heckling.

This is Groundhog Day. We have been here three times. We know the vote will be inconclusive, a farce and a charade, and it will anger people who are watching and asking why we are going through the motions. This is one reason for which I will strongly oppose the nominations that have been proposed, although it is not the main reason. The main reason is that the two people nominated have been responsible for creating deep inequality in society. Today's report from UNICEF showed that one third of children in the State are going without basic needs such as proper housing, access to health care and even adequate food. This came from the policies of Fianna Fáil, which also created inequality, Fine Gael and the Labour Party, which also played its part in increasing child poverty. This is why I will not support either nomination.

In the spirit of what has been said about reform, we want to be part of a progressive bloc in the Chamber and work constructively with all parties on all these issues. I appeal to people, Independents and others, who stood in the election on a policy platform of opposing the policies of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and who talked about problems in hospitals, housing, health care and child care. They need to work with those who are genuinely interested in dealing with the real issues of poverty. While they are in talks with these conservative parties, they should know that neither Deputy Enda Kenny nor Deputy Micheál Martin will end the two-tier health service or deal with the homelessness and housing crisis.

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