Varadkar: Barrett doing an excellent job as Ceann Comhairle

The Health Minister Leo Varadkar says the Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett should not withdraw his remarks in which he accused the Opposition of trying to undermine him.

Mr Varadkar's comments come as Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin discuss the possibility of a motion of no confidence in Mr Barrett, after he ruled out a debate on the inquiry into Garda malpractice allegations.

Mr Barrett told RTE Radio last week that it was "perfectly obvious" that the Opposition was "out to get him".

Minister Varadkar has said the Ceann Comhairle should not back down.

He said: "No, I don't he should back down, I think Sean Barrett is doing an excellent job as Ceann Comhairle and I think he's very fair to the Government and opposition."