Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I express my confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Murphy. Instead of having these statements, a number of TDs should be on their feet offering apologies and retracting statements they made last week. It is a good thing the microphone did not pick up some of those comments because they were outrageous, but they were very much heard in this Chamber throughout the debate last week. It was plain old simple schoolyard bullying. The collective Opposition crossed the Rubicon last week and debased the precious democratic structures of Dáil Éireann, our democratically elected Parliament that was hard fought for and hard won. Shame on each and every Member who tried to rip that apart, on each and every one who tried to deny backbenchers speaking time in this Chamber and on each one who is trying to depose the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Deputy Murphy, is above the politics of this House. I was appalled to hear Deputy McDonald say earlier today speak of her "eagerness to get the job done for Government". That comment was outrageous and should be withdrawn.

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