Dáil suspends Michael McNamara after blazing row with Ceann Comhairle

The Dáil has voted by 66 votes to 44 to suspend Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara after he became in a blazing row with Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett.

By Daniel McConnell Political Editor

The Dáil has voted by 66 votes to 44 to suspend Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara (pictured) after he became in a blazing row with Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett.

The TD repeatedly refused to resume his seat when asked to do so by Mr Barrett who then called on him to leave the chamber, which Mr McNamara steadfastly refused to do.

As a result, Mr Barrett “named” Mr McNamara, which is a parliamentary procedure which precipitated the vote to suspend him.

Under such rules, once named the Government technically moves the motion and because of the whip system, Fine Gael and Labour TDs have to support it.

Mr McNamara had complained about the use of the guillotine by the Government over legislation but it is understood that the TD had had difficulty with the Government's immigration bill.

His suspension means he will not be present in the Dáil to vote for it or against it.

Mr McNamara has previously lost the Labour Party whip for opposing Government policy but was later admitted back into the fold.