TDs’ language to be checked

FOUL-MOUTHED TDs will be forced to mind their language under a new code of conduct.

A marked drop in Dáil standards in recent months has seen one deputy yell “F*** you!” twice at a colleague and another TD shout out, “Who’s the cougar?” shortly after a visiting female Australian parliamentarian was introduced to the Dáil.

The “cougar” incident prompted Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan to write to the Dáil Ceann Comhairle urging that the decline in standards be reversed.

A new code of conduct, which will deal specifically with parliamentary language among other issues, is being finalised by the Oireachtas Committee on Procedures and Privileges and will be published within weeks.

Fine Gael deputy Noel Coonan claimed he did not know the word “cougar” had a widely used slang meaning – referring to a woman of a certain age who is attractive to younger men – when he shouted it out in the Dáil while looking in the direction of the leader of the Queensland state assembly Judy Spence.

The Tipperary deputy said he thought it meant a “tiger”.

The incident came as the Dáil was convulsed in a row about alleged sexism by the Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Kirk, which resulted in the session being suspended amidst uproar.

Mr Flanagan fears such scenes are diminishing the reputation of the Dáil and a firmer grip needs to be brought to proceedings.

“I’m concerned about the ad-hoc nature of parliamentary business, this has given rise to a general malaise and a noticeable drop in parliamentary standards.

“The cougar comment directed at a visiting parliamentarian didn’t help, but there needs to be a full overhaul of procedures, with ministers forced to answer questions directly and attend debates,” he said.

Green TD Paul Gogarty had to apologise to the Dáil last December after he turned on Labour deputy Emmet Stagg during a budget debate, shouting: “F*** you Deputy Stagg, f*** you.”

Taoiseach Brian Cowen also apologised after being caught by Dáil microphones referring to “f***ers” in an aside to Tánaiste Mary Coughlan.

Stricter controls on mobile phone and laptop use will also be brought in under the clampdown.