Curious case of the phantom Dáil debate

Real issues could have been raised during the debate on the Moriarty Tribunal. But the parties left plenty to be desired, writes Michael Clifford

WHAT was that all about? Yesterday, Dáil Éireann passed a motion of censure on one of its members. The motion read: “The Dáil believes the conduct of Michael Lowry set out in the tribunal report was completely unacceptable and calls on Deputy Lowry to resign voluntarily his membership of Dáil Éireann.”

There was no debate on the motion. There was no vote, because Lowry said he wouldn’t give Micheál Martin the satisfaction of opposing it. The motion was passed. Collectively, the members of the House then washed their hands of the Moriarty Tribunal and consigned it to the dustbin of history.