Displaying items by tag: Verona Murphy

Ireland’s political landscape is bracing for a showdown over Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) Verona Murphy, whose role is under fire amid a prolonged row over speaking rights in the Dáil. Since January, tensions have mounted, and now five main opposition parties have united to table a no-confidence motion, claiming bias and procedural failings. Murphy, a former haulier, responded defiantly, rejecting accusations of collusion and affirming her commitment to impartiality and parliamentary procedure. The government, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, is standing firmly behind her. Martin criticised the opposition - particularly Sinn Féin - for disruptive conduct and accused them of undermining democratic norms. Murphy is expected to survive the vote, but the battle has exposed deep divides, threatening to paralyse parliamentary function and leaving her position weakened, even if technically secure. Both sides are now entrenched, and further political drama appears inevitable in the days ahead.