Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have the utmost respect for the Leader. I have worked closely with him over the past three years and have the utmost regard for how he has always conducted himself in this House. For us, what happened this morning was a bridge too far. The Leader has withdrawn the remark of a suggested conflict of interest. I can tell him there is no conflict of interest. As per the Cathaoirleach's ruling, it was highly inappropriate for the Leader to raise this issue on the floor of the House today. That should not have happened.

The Leader should apologise to Senator MacSharry and his family for what has been said here today. I put it to him as a respected colleague that at the very least decency requires that he apologise in the House today to our colleague.