Divided Dáil: Anger in Dáil as vote deflects from ‘real life issues’

Sinn Féin and left-wing TDs have lashed out at larger parties for failing to form a government, saying health, housing and homelessness crises affecting the most vulnerable people in society are being ignored because of the “charade”.

The opposition TDs made the claim during the Dáil’s one-day return, which was once again dominated by unsuccessful attempts by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to secure enough votes to form a government.

Criticising the focus on the political stalemate instead of real life issues, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that the Dáil must allow for a housing committee to be set up immediately in the same way as the Government reform committee is currently sitting because of an ongoing crisis in the sector.

“Outside of the bubble here in Leinster House the crisis for living for many, many citizens perpetuates. These are the matters which we should be discussing,” he said.

During Dáil exchanges which were interrupted by the new ceann comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl as standing orders prevented them from being discussed, Anti Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett and Independent TD Seamus Healy were equally critical of the talks failure.

Mr Boyd Barrett took issue with Fine Gael TD Noel Rock’s reference to Enda Kenny’s “resilience” and compared it with those “left rotting on housing waiting lists”.

Meanwhile, Mr Adams has confirmed he has put his name forward to return as leader at the party’s upcoming ard fhéis. While the Louth TD has been in place for three decades, there is no rival candidate.