Speaker speechless after killer blow

THE Dáil chamber fell eerily silent as Eamon Gilmore delivered the killer blow to the Ceann Comhairle’s chances of survival – the Speaker rendered almost speechless.

John O’Donoghue’s head moved back then forward in a half nod as he absorbed the implications of the Labour leader’s declaration that O’Donoghue no longer commanded the respect of the House and would be subjected to the unprecedented public humiliation of a no confidence vote.

Mr O’Donoghue’s expression remained impassive as he murmured “thank you deputy” to the TD whose words had just set in motion his exiting from one of the three great offices of State. The Ceann Comhairle struggled to keep a grip on proceedings as the unravelling of his political career played out across the floor of the chamber he now commanded in name only.