SF clash with McDowell on Dáil speaking rights

Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy has clashed with Justice Minister Michael McDowell over whether Northern MPs should have speaking rights in the Dáil.

Mr Murphy wants the North's 18 MPs to be given such rights as they are representing people entitled to Irish citizenship.

However, Minister McDowell ruled out the move yesterday, saying the Dáil was only for people elected in the Republic and Sinn Fein's MPs should instead take their seats at Westminster.

Mr Murphy has responded by saying the Government had repeatedly told Sinn Féin the issue was not for it to decide, but was the responsibility of an all-party Oireachtas committee.

Although that committee had recommended movement, the Sinn Féin MP claimed Minister McDowell was now claiming jurisdiction, in clear contradiction of the Government's previous position.