Politics watch: Speaking rights row, McGregor's unlikely Áras bid

James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Dáil speaking rights row rumbles on

Somehow, the Dáil speaking rights row is still ongoing.

Opposition disrupted the election of Taoiseach Micheál Martin over the row in January, and it continues to delay the formation of Dáil committees and other business.

The long-running speaking row is over Government's attempts to secure speaking time for Regional Independent TDs, led by Michael Lowry, who support the Coalition.

Opposition parties are united in their condemnation of this.

The Government used its majority on the Dáil Reform Committee to push through proposals to change Dáil rules to allow speaking time for the TDs, which they say would be separate to Opposition time. 

In response, the Opposition has withdrawn the Dáil 'pairing' arrangement. The arrangement saw TDs agree not to participate in Dáil votes to allow for a Minister or Government TD’s absence. 

On Friday, Opposition parties outlined plans to enter an amendment to the Government’s motion to change Dáil rules, which the Sinn Féin leader said will “solve” the row over speaking rights.

The leaders of the Opposition are seeking an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach to resolve the dispute.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan, People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett and Independent Ireland founder Michael Collins sent the letter on Sunday.

The opposition leaders write: “Your commitment placed on the record of the Dáil on 23rd January must be honoured.

“Your commitment that any change to standing orders would be done in agreement with the Opposition was accepted in good faith.

“It is disappointing and unacceptable that you have moved away from this agreed position.

“Last month your representatives at the Dáil Reform Committee collapsed the process that was under way to resolve these issues.

“You are now attempting to force through a motion bringing unprecedented changes to standing orders, which will turn democracy on its head.

“The Combined Opposition has tabled an amendment which would facilitate appropriate speaking opportunities for government TDs, including the Michael Lowry Group. Our proposal is a fair and reasonable compromise which crucially preserves the normal democratic processes of the Dail.

“You cannot be in government and opposition at the same time, these democratic distinctions must be recognised and accepted by government for our system to work. We look forward to your immediate response.”

Public anger at speaking rights row

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was told the Dáil speaking rights row was an "affront to Irish democracy" and asked "is this the start of a dictatorship?".

Mr Martin previously claimed the public "aren't excited" about the speaking rights row.

However, messages to the Taoiseach, seen by BreakingNews.ie following a Freedom of Information request, show the public are very angry about the issue.

The messages, sent on are after January 22nd when the Dáil was suspended as opposition TDs protested over the matter and blocked the nomination of the Taoiseach, were all critical of the Government.

The messages, sent on are after January 22nd when the Dáil was suspended as opposition TDs protested over the matter and blocked the nomination of the Taoiseach, were all critical of the Government.

They supported the Opposition's efforts to block the move and their "rightful indignation".

On the evening of January 22nd, one person wrote: "I think it's utterly farcical that TDs who support the Government are attempting to speak on Opposition time.

"I fully support attempts to disrupt proceedings today as this cannot stand."

A message on the morning of January 23rd read: "Micheál, is this the start of a dictatorship? You're deliberately taking away the democratic rights of the Opposition by cutting down their speaking time. The Independents who helped you form government have no place on the opposition benches taking time away from your actual opposition.

"This is an affront to Irish democracy. The painting of the opposition parties (Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats etc) as the bad guys in this scenario is a deliberate projection on your part to avoid accountability for your shady dealings."

McGregor's unlikely Áras bid

The fallout from Conor McGregor's controversial White House meeting with Donald Trump, in which he pushed unfounded claims about immigration, is still ongoing.

McGregor has claimed he will use the meeting with the US president as the platform to launch his own bid for the presidency.

However, it is highly unlikely McGregor will secure enough nominations to get on the ballot.

To become a presidential candidate, candidates must secure the backing of at least 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.

The election will take place on a yet to be confrimed date before November.

According to the Irish Daily Mail, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will announce their candidates soon and intent to block McGregor's bid.

Garron Noone deactivates social media accounts after immigration video

Garron Noone has deactivated his social media accounts following backlash over a video in which he discussed immigration.

The Mayo man became a TikTok/Instagram sensation with his sketches and catchphrase "follow me, I'm delicious".

Noone normally discusses light topics in his videos.

However, he said he had been asked to discuss immigration by his followers after Conor McGregor's controversial White House meeting with Donald Trump.

Noone has since deactivated his accounts. He had a sizeable following including 1.7 million people on TikTok alone.

While some people are still criticising Noone over the video, fellow social media influencers have defended him online, along with some politicians.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said: "It’s sad to see Garron Noone has deactivated his social media accounts. I love his content & he is as decent as he is funny. There is not a racist bone in his body & nor is it racist to talk about immigration. Even if we do so a little clumsily. Hopefully we see him back soon."

Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín wrote: "The engine of democracy is the competition of ideas. The best ideas percolate to the top and become policy. The silencing of majority views by a minority is authoritarian & damages that democracy. Garron Noone is a fine comedian & should be allowed speak."

Abroad

US president Donald Trump on Friday took away security clearances for former vice president Kamala Harris, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and others in his latest move against his Democratic opponents.

The Republican president, who has also revoked the security clearance for former president Joe Biden, defeated Ms Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Ms Harris in last year's election.

In the UK, chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to cut 10,000 civil service jobs amid ongoing efforts to slash debt from the Labour government.