Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This vote of confidence reeks of hypocrisy and opportunism.

I stand in absolute support for the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who remains dedicated to the Department of Justice and in support of An Garda Síochána in its relentless pursuit of upholding law and order, while Sinn Féin shamelessly prioritises political point scoring. Instead of showing unity and stability in the face of such heinous crimes as those witnessed on 23 November, Sinn Féin choose to exploit the situation, sow division and, in its words, take out the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner for its own political gain. We should remember that Sinn Féin can never be trusted with law and order, especially when the influence of the IRA army council remains within its ranks.

Sinn Féin is a party with a dark history of condoning murder and terrorism, even against gardaí and police officers. Its bullying, vindictive threats and malicious lawsuits against anyone who opposes it unmasks its dictatorial tactics. In the face of its shameful actions, this Government stands strong, defending those who work tirelessly to protect our communities. Sinn Féin's vote of no confidence is nothing but a cynical ploy and we will not be rocked by its divisive agenda.

See this speech in context