TD condemns Dáil lap incident as ‘disgusting’
In her strongest comments so far regarding the notorious Dáil moment, which was flashed around the world via global news sites, the Fine Gael Cork deputy said her own party’s description of what happened as “horseplay” was equally as “offensive” as Tom Barry grabbing her.
Asked if she felt the incident was disgusting, Ms Collins said: “Yes, that says it all.”
The TD, who has hit out at initial criticism from some female commentators that she did not condemn what happened more loudly, rounded on Fine Gael’s description of Mr Barry’s actions as “horseplay”.
Ms Collins said the remark was equally as offensive as what Mr Barry did.
“The horseplay word was certainly very unfortunate, and I would have preferred it if it hadn’t been the word that was used because it is very obvious from the video that it wasn’t horseplay,” Ms Collins told RTÉ.
The TD said she was concerned the matter would put off women from taking-up politics as a career.
Echoing widespread concern about a sexist atmosphere in the Dáil, Ms Collins condemned the heckling that goes on at Leader’s Questions as “laddish”. Ms Collins said she did not know of any other workplace where people are allowed to drink alcohol all night while they carry out their duties.
The Dáil Members Bar remained opened until 5am during the sitting in which the Barry incident occurred as TDs debated, and voted on, the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.
Mr Barry has admitted taking drink on the night, but says he did not do so to excess.
Ms Collins said she did not consume alcohol and spent most of the evening with fellow Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden who suffers from motor neurone disease.
“I had been most of the evening with my good colleague Nicky McFadden who had been up to vote, and as you know she has incredible difficulties, and stuff, and that’s where I had been for most of the evening and I had walked her out to the car about twelve, half twelve.”
Ms Collins said she escaped from the position Mr Barry had put her in as speedily as possible.
“I got up as quickly as I could and just walked on,” the deputy said, stating she had accepted Mr Barry’s apology and wants to draw a line under the incident.
