TDs clash on dress codes in the Dáil

Leinster House staff are “obliged” to dress immaculately but TDs are not and should not have to, leading left-wing TD Bríd Smith told a private meeting.

Ms Smith made the comments at a recent meeting of the Dáil’s Business Committee during a debate about the wearing of emblems and slogans in the chamber which moved on to the thorny issue of a dress code for members.

Ms Smith argued against the introduction of a dress code for TDs, saying the only approval TDs need is from the electorate who send them to the Dáil.