Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We already asked the Tánaiste a question and the answer was completely inadequate. A deadline was set regarding the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. As such, how does the Government Chief Whip justify extending it? We must be very clear about this. The Ceann Comhairle was elected in a different way and we all welcomed that the Members of the House had a say individually in that regard. Now, we have a situation where a deadline of last Friday was set with regard to the submission of nominations for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. How can the Government Chief Whip justify extending that? What is the purpose? I have a clear question. Is it to allow further nominations to be submitted? Did the Government submit a nomination? Is it to facilitate Fine Gael that the time is being extended because it missed the deadline and wants to submit a nominee? That is totally wrong. This is not a good way to start politics. We all came into this in good faith and this is gerrymandering of the worst type. If a farmer in Kerry is late putting in an application for something, a deadline cannot be extended. The Government's answer when it misses the boat is to extend the deadline and push it out to facilitate itself. If I see the Government putting in a nominee, that will be a dirty start to its work. If it is going to do that, it is disgraceful and the people of Ireland will look very badly upon it. I take this very seriously. What the Government is doing is wrong. The other leaders who spoke today were not strong enough with the Government on this issue because what it is doing is a disgrace and people will not like the Government for it.

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