Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and we need to push in one direction. I want to work with everybody on all sides of this House. There is no monopoly on good ideas. We need constructive ideas and proposals.

I firmly believe that every politician who puts his or her name on a ballot paper and got elected to this House deserves to have his or her voice heard. Deciding to enter public life is not easy; it means long hours, time away from one's family and a high tolerance for criticism. Politics is probably the most denigrated profession in the country, and I have always felt this was unfair, because I firmly believe the vast majority of people enter public life for the right reasons. Every day, we are fortunate to come in to this House and represent, to the best of our ability, the public who elected us. We do so knowing that the atmosphere may become charged, debates may become difficult and party politics can sometimes take precedence.

However, there is another group of people who have the honour and responsibility of standing alongside us in this Chamber and this House, without whom this place would simply not function, namely, the Clerk of the Dáil, his team, the ushers in this House and the many officials who work in Leinster House. Last week, they went about their work with diligence and were subjected to a bitter and aggressive cacophony and an atmosphere of hostility and anger. It was utterly unacceptable and embarrassing, and I call on those who engaged in such behaviour to apologise to the staff of this House, who, in the words of the Clerk, endured a very "difficult" day. Separately, we had the appalling situation where ushers had to intervene between two Members of this House. It is not good enough; it is not what the people expect from us. We can disagree, but never should Dáil Éireann descend to the levels of disrespect and discourtesy which have been on display in recent times. We are letting ourselves collectively down.

The Ceann Comhairle was elected to do a job, without fear or favour. Not so long ago, the Opposition sought the Ceann Comhairle's intervention in a moment of dispute. She intervened and found in the Opposition's favour.

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