Regional Independents cannot pretend to be part of the opposition, says Sinn Féin

Mary Lou McDonald said it is an 'insult to the collective intelligence of the Irish electorate' to give Regional Independents opposition speaking time

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: 'There are no circumstances in which Michael Lowry should be allowed, or can be allowed, to pretend that he is a member of the opposition.' Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Attempts by the Regional Independent Group to receive opposition speaking time is an “insult to the collective intelligence of the Irish electorate”, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has claimed.

She said Michael Lowry must not be permitted to sit on the opposition benches as the Tipperary TD has already pledged to support the government over the next five years.