Taoiseach: Opposition 'dancing on O’Donoghue’s grave'

The Taoiseach has accused opposition TDs of "dancing on the grave" of Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue.

Brian Cowen was answering questions in the Dáil this afternoon about the decision of Deputy O'Donoghue to resign next Tuesday following the expenses controversy.

Mr Cowen also told the Dáil it would be preferable if there were cross-party agreement in selecting a successor.

The Taoiseach said it should not be considered unreasonable that John O'Donoghue be given until next week to clear-up housekeeping matters within his office.

“That would be regarded by most people here as a fair indication of what should happen given the fact that this issue arose yesterday evening,” the Taoiseach said.

“As I say, there are some who can't step back from dancing on a grave, but I'm not one of them.”