Dáil debates

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Taoiseach a Ainmniú (Atógáil) - Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed)

 

2:55 am

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Teachta Farrell and Teachta Doherty for this nomination. Government, of course, is not about one individual but the person elected as Taoiseach, their politics, their priorities and their values undoubtedly shape the future of the country. The Taoiseach and, by extension, the Government, must lead from the front and by example, demonstrate in word and deed that the public interest comes first, demonstrate courage and humility, honour their word, act with strong spirit and in good faith, mean what you say, and keep promises. These, I believe, are the cornerstones of leadership.

What happened here yesterday was the result of arrogant manoeuvring from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Michael Lowry TDs. I am not happy with what transpired and the fact that the Dáil was repeatedly suspended, but I am resolute in the stance that we as the Opposition took. We stood to defend a very simple but very important principle that no TD can be in government and in opposition at the same time. We pushed back against a brazen attempt to stymie, to silence and to sabotage the Opposition. We collectively represent hundreds of thousands of people-----

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