Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin likes to talk up the new combined Opposition but what in fact we are getting is combined obstructionism, a calculated web of chaos to undermine the legitimacy of government, where even staff and clerks of the Dáil are fair game. However, what else would you expect from a party that for decades refused to recognise this House and opposed this State – experts at blame and shame and little else.

The Opposition won the argument that you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time when the Ceann Comhairle made her ruling. For what it is worth, it was the right decision. The new Standing Orders recognise the constitutional rights of all elected Members of this House. Government backbenchers have as much right as Members of the Opposition to represent the concerns of the constituents who have elected them.

Since 29 November, we have needed a government with those willing to come forward and together to make hard decisions, supported by a strong majority of TDs. US tariff policy and the decisions of President Trump may be outside of our control. In the context of global challenges, this Government wants to get Ireland's house in order.

It was another American president, Abraham Lincoln, who said: "A house divided against itself, cannot stand.". Sinn Féin want this House and this State in disorder to continue their own long agenda. Today, I stand with the Ceann Comhairle for the legitimacy of government formation, for focusing on the issues that demand our attention and for order.

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